Number of working days lost in Norfolk reaches highest since 2011
ONS says over 400,000 days were lost across the UK, owing to industrial action
The number of working days lost reached it's highest in over a decade across Norfolk and beyond, this October
It's according to ONS who say 417,000 were missed across the country, owing to strike disruption. This being the highest since November 2011.
Royal Mail workers, driving instructors and some rail staff are on strike today.
All have slightly different demands- but they all revolve around pay levels, working conditions and job security
Other industrial action is taking place through this month and into 2023.
Rail workers were the first to take industrial action, this year. Their first strike day was on June 21st.
"From their point of view that is the purpose of striking"
Dr Mike Brock is an economist at the University of East Anglia.
He told us why this number is so high:
"Whether it be people deciding whether to hold a big business meeting in a different part of the country. The reluctance to potentially use public transport because there has been so many strikes may well be hindering the overall ability for the economy to bounce back as quickly as it would have done, had we not had any strikes."
"Perhaps there are missed meetings or a reluctance to travel to these meetings because there is so much disruption that is taking place. Those all adds to a cumulative effect that probably is starting to hit a bigger range of the economy."
"Your direct impacts are the ones that actually strike. The loss of productivity they have or contribute to the economy, because they are choosing to strike. From their point of view that is the purpose of striking, they are trying to create disruption that they hope will lead to the result they want for pay or pensions."
Where do both sides currently stand?
Those striking say they are yet to receive offers to alleviate their concerns.
The Government say what's being asked for isn't feasible with inflation so high.