RAIL passengers will face severe disruption today as thousands of rail workers take part in strike action.

Members of the RMT and Network Rail will take part in another day of industrial action in an ongoing dispute over pay.

Services across Sussex will face disruption, with trains to and from Bognor, Littlehampton, Seaford, Eastbourne and Hastings being suspended.

Govia Thameslink Railway, which operates Southern and Thameslink services, have urged passengers to travel only if absolutely necessary, with trains starting late and finishing as early as 4.30pm.

Gatwick Express services will not operate, but the airport will have a limited Southern and Thameslink services of eight trains an hour in each direction.

The Argus: A map of service availability on October 8A map of service availability on October 8 (Image: Govia Thameslink Railway)

Angie Doll, chief operating officer from Govia Thameslink Railway, said: “It is with much regret that we have to advise our passengers to travel only if absolutely necessary on Saturday, October 8.

“Strike action means train services across the country will be significantly limited, with many routes not running at all.

“Services will start much later in the morning. We expect our first trains to be very busy, so if you can, please travel later in the day.

“Trains will also finish as early as 4.30pm, so plan ahead if you absolutely have to travel.

“We urge the unions to work with the industry and come to a resolution.”

Passengers have been urged to check their journeys before they travel as the first trains of the day may not reach stations until considerably later.

Services will also be impacted the following day, with trains starting later in the morning at around 7.30am.

Morning trains on Sunday are likely to be very busy, with customers recommended to travel later and plan their journeys.

Mick Lynch, general secretary of the RMT, said: “Network Rail staff have endured a three-year pay freeze and have seen a sharp decline in living standards.

“Strong trade unions like the RMT are important in raising wages and creating good safe working environments.

“And if it means RMT members’ wages are higher than the market rate, there is something wrong with the market.”