Workers are being given written warnings by their bosses because they are consistently late for work as a result of the "shambles" of a service provided by Southern Railway, MPs have claimed.

Southern services, including those into London Victoria, have been disrupted for weeks because of industrial action and high levels of staff sickness.

MPs on both sides of the House of Commons lined up to criticise the operator, but rail minister Claire Perry insisted services have been improving as she attacked union bosses for organising strikes.

Peter Kyle, Labour MP for Hove, said during transport questions: "The shambles that we have seen is turning into a crisis.

"I'm getting people writing to me who are being late for work every day and their bosses are giving them written warnings now.”

The Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union is embroiled in a bitter row with Southern Railway about the role of conductors which has led to a series of strikes in recent weeks.

Green’s MP Caroline Lucas, urged Ms Perry and the Department for Transport to "get a grip" and transfer the franchise into public ownership.

Ms Perry replied: "You accepted a very large donation from the RMT before the last election and the Aslef (train drivers) union have just awarded themselves a 16 per cent pay increase.

"They need to stop objecting to the introduction of new technology that benefits your constituents and constituents right across the UK."

Is your boss giving you flack being late after using the Southern service? Email james.parsons@london.newsquest.co.uk