THE ONSET of the Omicron variant has led to a shortage of staff across South Western Railway.

These staff shortages have had a significant impact on the company's services, causing short term cancellations.

As a result, the railway service will be introducing a new, consolidated timetable from Monday January 17 2022.

A spokesperson from South Western Railway said: "Our focus is on producing a timetable that is deliverable, so that we improve reliability for our customers, and cater to key workers, school pupils and those who cannot work from home.

"We will be publishing further details on our new timetable shortly."

From the beginning of January through to the introduction of the new timetable on 17 January, South Western Railway's services will still be subject to short notice cancellations.

A spokesperson from South Western Railway said: "Please check to see if your planned train is running as close to your time of travel as possible.

"We apologise for any inconvenience caused to our customers."