Industry body the British Retail Consortium has warned of the impact a Boxing Day Tube strike would have on retailers battling to recover from trading disruption caused by snow and ice.

Workers on the London underground are scheduled to strike on December 26 over jobs. BRC director general Stephen Robertson said the action could be a “major blow” for retailers in London on one of the most important days of the year for shopping.

He said: “Retailers in London need a strong start to the post-Christmas sales. On the back of disruption caused by severe winter weather and student protests, they now face a difficult time in 2011 as VAT goes up and public sector cuts begin to take effect.

“Everyone involved in the Tube drivers’ dispute needs to recognise the importance of London retailing and the damage disruption on this scale will cause.”