A SWINE flu epidemic in the UK could cause serious disruption to London's transport, a union has warned.

Transport workers are known to be at greater risk of infection because they work in close contact with the public, and often in confined spaces like trains, buses, the Underground, ferries and offices.

The Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union said the flu epidemic could have a "devastating impact" on London's transport system.

The London Underground is identified as being a high risk area.

The RMT are demanding to see the contingency and safety plans that have been drawn up by the Government and emergency services and to be included in future discussions on coping with the pandemic.

It dismissed claims from Transport for London that they would simply run a reduced service as there will be less people travelling.

Bob Crow, RMT general secretary, said: “"RMT members are seriously concerned about the safety implications of so many staff being off sick at the same time.

“If the predicted development of the swine flu is accurate it will have a devastating impact on transport services and will expose both the shortage of staff and the inadequate planning across our fragmented system.

“London is expected to be hardest hit and it would be a dangerous gamble to try and run services without adequate staffing levels."