Avanti West Coast will operate a reduced timetable from next week until further notice.
The train company, which runs the Liverpool Lime Street to London Euston route, cited staff shortages, the "current industrial relations climate" and claims of "unofficial strike action" by ASLEF members" as reasons for cutting back the timetable. The union has strongly rejected these claims as "lies".
Avanti is now working to finalise a new schedule and has temporarily suspended ticket sales from August 14 to September 11 as a result. A statement on the company's website read: "From 14 August until further notice, we will be introducing a reduced timetable on our services. This is due to the current industrial relations climate which has resulted in severe staff shortages in some grades through increased sickness levels, as well as unofficial strike action by ASLEF members.
