Strikes are expected to disrupt railway travel, even though workers on the Isle of Wight's Island Line rejected all forms of action, in an RMT ballot.

According to PA News Agency, railway workers across the country have overwhelmingly supported taking action over jobs, pay and conditions.

With threats of 'massive disruption to the network,' it is likely walkouts will go ahead, even though they were not supported here.

The Government and rail industry have criticised the move, calling it “hugely disappointing and premature.”

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RMT says the vote has proved to be the biggest endorsement for industrial action by railway workers since privatisation in the 1990s and it now wants urgent talks with Network Rail and the train operators involved.

RMT claims Network Rail intends to cut at least 2,500 maintenance jobs, as part of a £2 billion reduction in spending on the network.

It says staff at train companies have been subject to pay freezes, threats to jobs and attacks on their terms and conditions.

Of those who were balloted, 71 per cent took part and (of those) 89 per cent supported strike action.

Meanwhile, 11 per cent voted against it.

Island Line (where the union has 30 members) rejected all forms of industrial action.

It has recently reopened after months of refurbishment.