Industrial action will result in reduced train services next week, as strikes affect Thameslink and Great Northern rail services.

A nationwide ban on overtime has been implemented by the ASLEF union, between Monday (July 3) and Saturday (July 8).

Overall, 16 train companies across the UK will be affected by the strike.

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Amended timetables, with fewer services, will run throughout the week.

According to Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR), "this will give customers greater certainty on train times with fewer short-notice, on-the-day alterations".

Passengers have been advised to plan ahead, check train services and allow extra time when travelling by rail.

A spokesperson for GTR said: "Trains throughout the week will be busier than usual, especially in the peak hours.

"It is likely passengers will need to queue, and some may not be able to board the first service. Passengers should allow extra time to complete their journey.

"Online journey planners such as nationalrail.co.uk will be updated from Friday 30 June for trains on Monday to Friday July 3-7 and by July 1 for Saturday, July 8."

GTR's network operations director, Chris Fowler, added: "We're really sorry for the disruption this industrial action by ASLEF will cause our customers.

"Regrettably, we’ll be running an amended timetable with fewer trains from Monday to Saturday, July 3-8.

                                                                                            

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“By reducing service levels, we’ll have fewer short-notice, on-the-day alterations, which provides greater certainty for customers planning their journeys.

“Customers heading to the Wireless Festival at Finsbury Park will face long waits and extremely busy trains on a very limited service, so they should find other ways to travel if possible.

"Overall, I strongly advise people to plan ahead, allow extra time and check trains before setting out for the station.”

Train services are set to be affected again on July 20, July 22 and July 29 due to strike action by the RMT union.

"Knock-on" disruption is also expected on July 21, July 23 and July 30.

Train services can be checked via the National Rail website: www.nationalrail.co.uk