Fears small businesses in the East will be hit hardest by train strikes
Small businesses fear the strikes are "going to have a real impact"
Small businesses across Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex, could be hit hardest by the train strikes this week.
That's according to our local Federation of Small Businesses which told us: "Anything that impacts the ability of people to get to work on time and cheaply is going to have a real impact."
Tens of thousands of rail workers from the RMT, rail operators and the London Underground are walking out over three days this week - but it's expected to have a knock on impact on the rest of the week.
They are striking against pay rates that are said to be "massively under the relevant rates of inflation".
"Small businesses are having a really challenging time"
Candy Richards is our regional rep at the Federation of Small Businesses: "Small businesses are having a really challenging time from rising business costs to staff shortages.
"So anything that impacts the ability of people to get to work on time and cheaply is going to have a real impact."
"Those in our area are putting plans in place to navigate around these strikes"
She told us that many local firms are already suffering and the shorter all lasts the better: "Those that are already finding it a big challenge to get staff to work, particularly with the increase in the cost of fuel are being hit the hardest.
"We would urge all parties to get around the table to try and bring this to a conclusion as quickly as possible.
"Small businesses are great to weathering the storm and navigating their way around the many challenges they face.
"Those in our area are putting plans in place to navigate around these strikes. But their fundamental key priority is to see these strikes be resolved as quickly as possible."
Transport works Pay are "under the relevant rates of inflation"
Mick Lynch, general secretary for The National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers says: "It is clear that the Tory Government after slashing £4bn of funding from National Rail and Transport for London, has now actively prevented a settlement to this dispute."
"The rail companies have now proposed pay rates that are massively under the relevant rates of inflation, coming on top of the pay freezes of the past few years."