Rail workers will go on strike for a second time this week after the union at the centre of the row accused the Transport Secretary of "wrecking" ongoing negotiations.
Members of the RMT Union at Network Rail and 13 other train operators are currently embroiled in a bitter dispute about jobs, pay and working conditions, sparking the largest industrial action in over 30 years.
Further talks were held on Wednesday between the Rail, Maritime and Transport Union, Network Rail and rail operators in a bid to prevent two more days of planned walk-outs, the PA News Agency reports.