A nationwide rail strike would force operators to cancel all trains after 7pm, rail bosses have warned, as union leaders threatened disruption into the new year.

       Should Network Rail’s train signallers vote to strike, the railways would only be able to remain open for 12 hours a day instead of 24 hours. Services would run from 7am until 7pm, sources told The Telegraph. As many as 80 per cent of routes would be scrapped, with those that remain open running a reduced service.

       The RMT union has warned that the crippling disruption could last well into next year if the dispute over pay and proposed job losses is not resolved.

       RMT members working for 15 train operators and Network Rail are voting on whether to strike. Industrial action could begin in two weeks' time if they vote in favour. Rail bosses said the decision of train signallers would be critical in determining the extent of the disruption.

       “If signallers vote to go on strike they could almost bring the entire country’s rail network to a complete stop,” industry insiders said.

       Eight months to train up signallers

       About 5,000 train signallers are employed by Network Rail and they play a key role in allowing trains to depart from and arrive into stations. It takes about six to eight months to train up a signaller and the contingency workforce only runs into the high hundreds.

       Sources said that mainlines and suburban networks around big cities would prove to be the most resilient as stations in these areas tend to have more up-to-date technology. Many rural and regional stations still rely on Victorian signalling technology.

       It would mark the first signallers strike in 28 years. In spring 1994, signallers went on strike every Monday for two months.

       Mick Lynch, RMT general secretary, said on Tuesday that disruption could continue into next year. “If there's no settlement, then it will. All disputes have to end in a settlement and we are ready to negotiate that with those employers,” he told TalkTV. He previously warned that a strike would “bring the country to a standstill”.

       Ban on overtime

       Plans to strike are already under way for Transport for London (Tfl) staff. As many as 4,000 station staff will strike on Monday, June 6 and the union has also announced a ban on overtime working from June 3 to July 10, which will significantly reduce London Underground services.

       Strike action is likely to force the closure of almost all stations in Zone 1 on what will be the first day back to work after the four-day Platinum Jubilee celebrations. If all 4,000 members opt to walk out, Transport for London may have to consider closing all underground stations for safety reasons.

       Grant Shapps, the Transport Secretary, urged the unions again on Tuesday to call off the planned strikes: "I'm looking to get this resolved, I want the unions to do that as well, I urge them not to call strikes.

       "I think it would be completely counterproductive to a railway which frankly is on life support and that could give it a heart attack."