A Southern rail conductor has spoken against claims that he and his colleagues are failing to turn up for work as a form of unofficial strike action.

In May the rate of sickness rose to 40, with an average of 83 trains a day being cancelled due to sickness.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, the conductor said his sickness was for “a genuine reason”.

Southern managers are involved in a bitter dispute with the RMT union and have said services have been cancelled due to a sudden increase in sick leave.
Another strike is due next Tuesday.