RAIL service operator Northern has issued a warning for customers looking to travel in the new year.

The operator, which runs services between Chester, Warrington and Manchester, has warned customers against travelling by train in the first week of January, in the latest row between unions and rail operators.

Chester and District Standard: Industrial action has disrupted rail services in the north for monthsIndustrial action has disrupted rail services in the north for months (Image: Newsquest)

Northern has issued a 'do not travel' warning for any passengers hoping to use the rail services between Tuesday, January 3, and Saturday, January 7.

The service has lashed out at unions and workers partaking in a series of strikes that are grinding rail timetables to a halt.

Unions have been striking throughout 2022, including the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) and the Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen (ASLEF).

Northern's chief operating officer, Tricia Williams, said: "We can only apologise to our customers whose return to work from the holidays will be disrupted by the action by the RMT and ASLEF.

"We’re encouraging everyone to use the new ‘Check My Timetable’ feature on our website to see the changes specific to their local station.”

Rail strikes have been intermittent throughout 2022, with large walkouts taking place.

One RMT union rep said: "We shouldn't be in 2022 where you're expected to work five hours extra per week, for less money and less pension.

"People think that those on strikes are the train drivers, some are on around £100,000 a year - but most of them are in a completely different union to us."

The final week of December is subject to limited strike action, with rail operators telling passengers to 'expect disruption' and urging customers to check timetables before they travel.

Chester and District Standard: A number of striking workers were out in force at Warrington Bank Quay in the summerA number of striking workers were out in force at Warrington Bank Quay in the summer

This comes after Prime Minister Rishi Sunak criticised the deteriorating quality of train services on the West Coast Main Line, which rail passengers from Chester use if travelling towards Glasgow or London Euston.

In November Mr Sunak responded to one Tory MPs concern about Avanti West Coast services, saying: "My right honourable friend is absolutely right about the unacceptable deterioration in the quality of Avanti’s service.

“The Transport Secretary is rightly monitoring and holding them to account."