COMMUTERS are divided over strike action that has left the nation’s rail network paralysed, with services across Sussex suspended.

Routes to the east and west of the county have been cancelled today due to industrial action by the RMT union in a dispute over pay, with limited services on routes between Brighton and London and from Brighton to Hove.

One commuter at Brighton station, self-employed electrician Paul Cogram, expressed anger and frustration at the strike action while waiting for a train to London Victoria this morning.

“I think it’s a load of b******s. I’ve had to come from Worthing to here and then God knows what time I’ll get home," he said.

“It means I’m going to get there later and start later. I work for myself, so I’ll earn less money today.

“I don’t get paid more for less time, so why should they get more money?”

However, a 27-year-old Sussex University student who gave his name only as Fahad, who was also heading to London, said his journey was not badly affected but he had to arrive at the station early to make sure he got to an appointment on time.

He said: “I had planned on staying the day in London, but now I’ll have to come straight back.”

Despite the disruption, he said he backed the strike action, given the significant rise in inflation in recent months.

He said: “The professors at the university have recently been protesting over their salaries - I do understand it because prices are increasing.”

Striking signallers at Network Rail have led to Govia Thameslink Railway, which operates Southern, Thameslink and Gatwick Express services, focusing on providing services on its busiest mainline routes only.

GTR chief operating officer Angie Doll said: “We are extremely disappointed that passengers across the country now face the anxiety of further rail disruption. Our focus remains on encouraging the RMT to work with the industry to seek a swift resolution.”

RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said members of the union are “more determined than ever to secure a decent pay rise, job security and good working conditions”.

Services are expected to see some knock-on disruption tomorrow, with trains starting from 7am and running a Sunday service.