As rail workers strike across the UK, the hospitality industry faces mounting challenges this winter.

On the first day of a series of planned strikes, 40,000 rail workers have walked out across the country, crippling Britain’s train services. The walkouts are expected to continue until the weekend, bringing train operations to a near halt.

Amid the disruption, Transport Secretary Mark Harper and RMT leader Mick Lynch are engaged in a public blame game, each accusing the other of causing the chaos. In this episode, Ross Lydall, City Hall Editor and Transport Editor at The Evening Standard, catches up with Mick Lynch on the picket line to discuss whether there is any prospect of a resolution to the ongoing deadlock.

In the second part of the podcast, Jack Stein, Chef Director of Rick Stein Restaurants, sheds light on the growing strain the rail strikes are placing on the hospitality sector. With the industry already grappling with one of its toughest winters, the strikes have only compounded the challenges.

Listen to the full discussion on your Spotify Daily Drive or wherever you stream your podcasts.