Southern rail to restore 'full service' on Tuesday following strike

Southern Rail will restore a "full train service" from next Tuesday.

The return to normal service follows drivers' union ASLEF's agreement to suspend three planned strikes and lift a drivers' overtime ban.

Hundreds of thousands of passengers were hit by three days of strikes last week and have endured months of disruption because of industrial action, staff shortages and other issues.

The announcement comes before fresh talks between rail firm officials and union members aimed at resolving the ongoing dispute over driver-only trains.

If talks fail, the proposed strikes will not be reinstated, but future planned action could then be put forward.

However, despite the confirmed suspension of next week's industrial action, commuters will still face a reduced service until 24 January.

This is due to work rosters and timetables having been created before the walkouts were called off.

Southern Rail is also facing a separate 24-hour conductors' strike on Monday by members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union.

Angie Doll, Southern's passenger services director, said: "The RMT should now recognise that their industrial action is wholly futile.

"They should stop the strikes, get back round the table with us and move forward together with us, delivering a better railway for our passengers."

Southern said it will run more than 70% of its trains next Monday, but advised customers to check its website before travelling.