Rail disruption warnings from Northern, TransPennine and Avanti over ongoing staff shortages due to Covid-19

Passengers are being asked to plan rail journeys in advance after a number of train operators warned Covid-19 has impacted staff levels over the Christmas holiday period.

TransPennine Express, Avanti West Coast and Northern Rail were among those issuing the warning.

A statement on Monday from Avanti, which runs trains between Manchester and London, said: “Trains across the Avanti West Coast network are subject to short-notice cancellations and alterations. This is due to the impact of COVID-19 on train crew availability.

“The majority of train services will continue to run as scheduled, and Avanti West Coast are doing everything they can to run the full timetable. However, you are strongly advised to check your journey before travelling.”

There are also planned engineering works near Leeds which will reduce services until 3 January, and further work affecting London Victoria.

However, Network Rail said it was confident about 95% of rail services would be running as anticipated.

You can check your journey via National Rail here.