The strike over pensions, working conditions and job cuts will last until Friday 28 July. It’s the second wave of tube strikes this year, following a walkout in March for the same reasons by London Underground staff.

The RMT union said it is in a long-running dispute with Transport for London (TfL) over “jobs, cuts, and attacks on pensions and working conditions”.

It said 600 jobs could be axed and workers would have less in retirement if planned changes by TfL go through.

The announcement comes amid a wave of strikes by public sector workers including teachers and NHS staff including nurses, junior doctors, and consultants.

Strikes have also been taking place across the rail network and are planned for July 22 and July 29.

For people who rely on the tube network to get to work, the advice is to try alternative routes such as using the bus or the overground if possible. Most employers are likely to recommend working from home, if this is an option.

TfL says it does not offer refunds for “delays outside our control” which include strikes. However, if you have a train ticket booked and you’re not able to travel because of a strike you should be able to change the date of travel or apply for a refund through the train provider.

‘Simply unacceptable’

RMT general secretary, Mick Lynch, said: “This week of action will shut down the London Underground and show just how important the work of our members is.

“Plans by TfL to cut 600 jobs and attack our members pensions are simply unacceptable.

“We are aware that Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has had the TfL budget cut.

“However, he needs to align himself with our union and his London Underground staff in pushing back against the Tory government, exposing their damaging agenda to a key part of London transport infrastructure.”

Glynn Barton, TfL’s chief operating officer, said: “We are disappointed that the RMT has announced strike action on this range of issues that we have been attempting to discuss with them openly and cooperatively. We are urging the union to reconsider and engage with us to discuss the issues and seek a resolution.

“There are no current proposals to change pension arrangements and, although we are discussing with union colleagues a range of proposals to improve how London Underground operates, no employee will lose their job or be asked to work additional hours.

“We are trying to create a fairer, more efficient London Underground that works for our staff and for London. All stations would remain well staffed at all times and we believe that our proposals would give an even better and more reliable service to our customers both in terms of our stations and our train services.”