Economic blow - Eurostar trains won't stop at Kent stations before 2022

WATCH: James Dunham's report. He spoke to Tyrone Archer from Ashford Taxis, MP Damian Green, Ian Piper from the Ebbsfleet Development Corporation and Jo James from the Invicta Chamber of Commerce.

Eurostar trains will not stop at stations in Kent before 2022, raising fears of job losses.

The train operator said it had been hit by an “unprecedented” fall in bookings as a result of the coronavirus crisis.

Eurostar trains have not been stopping at Ashford International or Ebbsfleet International stations since March, but that has now been extended to 2022.

The Transport Salaried Staffs Association (TSSA) urged the Government to intervene in a bid to avert job losses.

A Eurostar spokesman said: “Covid-19 has had a severe impact on the travel industry and on our business and we continue to operate in very challenging conditions. We have experienced an unprecedented fall in demand, with bookings down by 90% compared to last year.

Manuel Cortes, general secretary of the TSSA, said: “We will do all we can to work with the company to protect jobs, but we must see meaningful discussions for our members about options for those working at these two stations.

“Frankly the extended closure of Ashford and Ebbsfleet is another clear sign that Eurostar needs help from the UK Government – something I called for months ago.

And he said Ministers couldn't be allowed to sit on the sidelines: