London Underground strikes set to take place over the coming week will have a “significant impact” on the capital’s hospitality businesses, UKHospitality has warned, with industrial action on the country’s rail networks now having cost the sector £4bn since 2022.

The proposed walkouts are scheduled for 7 to 12 September, prompting concern that the city’s bars, restaurants and pubs will experience a major drop in sales and footfall at a time when margins are already at their slimmest.

“This level of impact comes at a time when businesses can least afford it, having just been hit with £3.4bn in additional annual cost,” UKHospitality chair Kate Nicholls told the Morning Advertiser.

“It’s crucial all parties involved get round the table to negotiate a solution that can avoid these damaging strikes, and that the Government acts on our calls to lower business rates, fix NICs and cut VAT at the Budget this autumn.”

Night-Time Industries Association CEO Michael Kill added the strikes are “severely undermining recovery efforts.”

“When people cannot rely on transport, they stay closer to home or don’t go out at all,” he told the MA. “At a time when rising costs already squeeze operators, transport disruption has compounded the pressure. Without reliable services, we risk stifling growth, losing audiences, and undermining the vibrancy of our nightlife.”