Tube strike: When is it, which unions are involved and which services will be affected?

A 48-hour walkout by the RMT union is due to start a 9pm on Saturday, 6 February

Commuters in London are being warned to prepare for another round of disruption ahead of Tube strikes this month.

When will the strike start?

A 48-hour walkout by the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) Workers' Union is due to start at 9pm on Saturday, 6 February. It will end at the same time on Monday 8 February.

Which services will be affected?

Commuters should expect all services to be busier than normal, with some stations closed due to short staff.

TfL are still calculating the impact of the strikes and are yet to release more information on which services will be affected.

"If the strike goes ahead, there will be disruption to the network," it says.

How can I avoid it?

Commuters can use other services which are expected to run as normal, including buses, the DLR, London Overground, Thames Clipperboat and National Rail services.

Why are the strikes taking place?

RMT voted for strike action over the closure of ticket offices and changes to work rosters under the "Fit for the Future" scheme.

Union general secretary Mick Cash said: "With surging Tube demand, and against a background of chronic overcrowding, the union cannot and will not sit back while safety-critical jobs, that are the eye and ears of the service, are ripped away from our stations."

Will the strikes definitely go ahead?

The RMT union and TfL are currently in negotiations which may avert the walkout.

TfL's latest offer includes a four-year pay deal above inflation rates from April last year, as well as a £500 bonus to station staff for the implementation of new rosters and the closure of ticket offices.

Station staff have been warned they will lose the £500 bonus for taking part in the strike.