ALL key workers must be “recognised for their sacrifices” during the Covid-19 pandemic, train drivers without a pay rise in four years demanded today as they downed tools once again in an increasingly bitter dispute.

Some 15 train operators across England were hit with massive strikes called by train drivers’ union Aslef, crippling services and leaving some areas without any services at all.

The latest walkouts in the long-running dispute, which will also see RMT members walkout across 14 companies on Saturday, came as Aslef head Mick Whelan revealed that Tory ministers have not met union officials since early January.