A strike ballot organised by the RMT closes at 17.00 today, and the result should be known later this evening or tomorrow. The union has invited votes from 40,000 staff working in train operating companies and Network Rail, on the grounds that pay is not keeping up with inflation and many jobs are at risk. If the vote is in favour, the RMT could call a national rail strike, although contingency plans by management have been made to keep essential freight trains carrying food and fuel to keep running. Network Rail has denied that 2,500 jobs are at risk, although it does need to reduce costs by modernising maintenance methods. Network Rail has also denied union claims that hundreds of ticket offices are planned to close, although it points out that they now sell only 15 per cent of tickets.

Strikes disrupt London Underground

Station staff on London Underground are expected to walk out for 24 hours on 6 June, which is the first weekday after the Jubilee Holiday weekend, in a dispute with the RMT over job losses and pensions. Meanwhile overnight strikes on the Central, Jubilee and Victoria Lines are set to continue every Friday and Saturday until 19 June. There will be separate walkouts on 3 June at Euston and Green Park, but TfL said it expected to keep the stations open.