Combined strike action by two unions next week will mean hundreds of thousands of commuters across London are hit with delays and cancelled trains.

A strike by Southern Rail workers from the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) will start on December 6 and end on December 8.

This will coincide with industrial disputes involving RMT workers on the Piccadilly and Hammersmith and City tube lines.

A Southern Rail spokesman said this would mean a “severely reduced and disrupted” service on every day of strike action.

Southern Rail is also due to be hit with walkouts on December 13, 14, 16, and 22 to 24, then again from December 31 to January 2, and January 9 to 14.

These strikes will involve workers from both RMT and the Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen (ASLEF).

A Southern Rail spokesman said: “Services are expected to be particularly disrupted on the drivers’ strike dates with no services on most routes.

“There is also likely to be increased disruption over the Christmas and New Year period.

“Other operators’ services are not affected, but may be busier.

“Journey planners will only be updated 24 hours before the date in question.

“Travel updates will be available as soon as they are confirmed on this web page.

“We are very sorry for the continued disruption to your journeys.”