Southern Rail workers are taking further strike action next month, RMT Union has announced.

RMT’s national executive committee instructed Southern guards and driver members to not book on for any shifts on September 1 and 4.

The decision is said to come after being unable to hold talks with the Government and Govia Thameslink Railway to resolve the dispute.

It is also said to follow continuing disputes of several issues, including defence of the role of the guard and the guarantee of a second safety-critical member of staff.

People living in Wandsworth, Sutton, Croydon and Epsom are likely to be affected.

Mick Cash, RMT’s general secretary, said: “RMT is bitterly disappointed that Southern Rail have rejected our call for round table discussions involving all parties with an interest in resolving this dispute.

“The failure to get those talks moving following our face to face meeting with Transport Secretary Chris Grayling has left us no option but to call further action.

“RMT pays tribute to our Southern Rail guards and drivers who have stood firm for well over a year in the fight for rail safety despite outrageous abuse and intimidation from the company.

“They are a credit to their communities and to the whole trade union movement.

“RMT has a clear plan for resolving this dispute but that requires round table talks now to push forwards. This fiasco cannot be allowed to drag on any longer.

“The union stands ready and waiting for genuine and meaningful talks with all parties and we are pressing Mr Grayling to get his contractors into line as a matter of urgency.