The votes took place across 15 train operating companies and most significantly includes Network Rail, whose signallers could halt the railway if they walk out. The RMT said it was the biggest endorsement for industrial action by railway workers since privatisation.

However, the union is unlikely to call strikes immediately, but will use the mandate to strengthen its hand in talks with Network Rail and the train firms as it seeks to mitigate the effect of significant cost cutting on the rail network.