Transport Union RMT has called for two 48-hour strikes to hit London Underground in February.

The two 48-hour walkouts come in response to plans to close all ticket offices servicing the network. Staff are also expected to refuse to collect fares and sell tickets during two-hour intervals on three other days.

The strikes are scheduled to take place at midday on February 4th and February 11th. Meanwhile, the extra action carried out by staff who conduct so-called 'revenue duties' will happen for two two-hour periods on February 7th, 10th and 14th from 09:30 to 11:30 and again from 18:30 to 20:30.

The union claims that there is a strong level of support for the strike action as thousands of jobs are at stake, with other workers facing having to re-apply for their own jobs. 

RMT general secretary Bob Crow described the planned cuts as "a kick in the teeth for the loyal and experience tube workforce who have kept services running safely and efficiently under constant pressure".

The action has been condemned by Transport for London, which claims that only 30 per cent of balloted members voted in favour of the strike.