Train strikes to hit Corby, Kettering and Wellingborough services on seven of first nine days in October

Train bosses are warning passengers to only travel if absolutely necessary after confirming rail strikes will hit services through Corby, Wellingborough and Kettering on seven out of the first nine days in October.

East Midlands Railway says no trains will run on Wednesday (October 5) as members of the two largest rail unions stage industrial action.

A skeleton service will operate on Saturday (October 1) and also on three successive days from Thursday (October 6) as a result of action by the RMT and depot workers who are members of the Unite union.

Morning services will be also impacted following all the strike days due to trains being in the incorrect place overnight.

EMR says it has been working with colleagues across the railway to ensure it can deliver a “robust and reliable service” where possible but customers are strongly advised to check the operator’s website, information in stations and social media for the latest information.

Managing director, Will Rogers, added: “We have worked hard to provide as many services as possible but it is a complicated situation with our timetables being impacted differently depending on which union is on strike.

“That is why we are strongly advising customers to plan ahead and only travel by rail if absolutely necessary on strike days.”

RMT's action involves 40,000 members at Network Rail and 15 operators — including East Midlands Railway and London Northwestern Railway, which runs services from Northampton.

Rail unions are calling for a first pay rise since 2019 but the Rail Delivery Group, representing operators, is offering a below-inflation deal tied to modernisation.

But RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said that it was “encouraging” that new Transport Secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan MP had met with the union.

But he added: “As no new offer has been tabled, our members have no choice but to continue this strike action.”

Andrew Haines, Network Rail chief executive, said: “We want to give our employees a decent pay rise.

"It isn’t fair to ask taxpayers or passengers to fund this so we must fund it ourselves, which is achievable if the unions work with us to modernise and run the railway more efficiently.”

What trains are expected to run on what days

Saturday, October 1

Two trains per hour London and Kettering plus one train per hour between Corby and London calling at Kettering and Wellingborough, between 7.30pm and 6.30pm only.

Sunday, October 2

Some morning trains cancelled.

Wednesday, October 5

No trains.

Thursday, October 6 & Friday, October 7

Two trains per hour London and Kettering between 7.30am and 6.30pm only plus two trains per hour between Corby and London calling at Kettering and Wellingborough all day.

Saturday, October 8

Two trains per hour London and Kettering plus one train per hour between Corby and London calling at Kettering and Wellingborough, between 7.30pm and 6.30pm only.

Sunday, October 9

Some morning trains cancelled.