Caledonian Sleeper services will be cancelled for two days starting on Sunday as staff strike.

Negotiations have broken down between the RMT and Serco, which runs Sleeper services, with the operator accused of "slamming the door on any settlement".

Workers will now take industrial action, joining picket lines in London and Scottish stations, forcing the train operator to cancel all services on Sunday and Monday.

Serco said it is attempting to make arrangements with other train companies to help stranded passengers travel, as well as refunding fares.

The strike action follows failed negotiations between the two sides, with the RMT alleging Serco has not addressed "a raft of serious concerns raised by staff that have ruined working lives and placed the workforce under intolerable pressure".

Caledonian Sleeper staff will join picket lines on Sunday and Monday evenings at London Euston, Glasgow, Edinburgh Waverley, Fort William, Aberdeen and Inverness stations.

A statement from Serco said: "We have been advised by the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) that their members intend to take strike action on Caledonian Sleeper services next week.

"As a result, we can confirm that all of our services departing on Sunday, September 29 and Monday, September 30 will be cancelled.

"We apologise to all of our affected guests for the inconvenience this will undoubtedly cause."

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It added: "We are in the process of arranging alternative transportation with other train operators. We will confirm the details of this as soon as we can.

"We will, of course, be processing refunds for all affected guests."

RMT general secretary Mick Cash said: "The union remains available for genuine and serious talks but the ball is now firmly in Serco's court."

The Caledonian Sleeper unveiled a new fleet of trains earlier this year, built at a cost of £150 million and offering double beds and en-suite bathrooms for guests making the journey between Scotland and London.

Tickets are priced from £45 for seats to more than £300 for a superior double room.

The owner of Poundland has kept open the possibility of a flotation or sale as it moves to become entirely independent from parent company Steinhoff.

Pepco, which announced its rebrand from Pepkor Europe on Friday morning, said the new title was not to do with immediate float plans, but admitted its future was in the hands of the South African firm.

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Andy Bond, chief executive of Pepco, said "who knows what will happen" regarding a future sale or IPO, but said the firm had completed paying off debts to Steinhoff to become financially independent from the retail giant.

Steinhoff, which also owns UK furniture retailer Bensons for Beds, bought Poundland for £610 million in 2016 and combined the retailer with its European discount business Pepkor Europe.

Funeral firm Dignity has appointed City veteran and Mothercare chief Clive Whiley as its new chair and non-executive director.

Mr Whiley has more than 35 years' experience in regulated strategic management positions and will take on the role from Thursday, Dignity told investors.

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David Blackwood, a senior independent director at Dignity, had been working as the firm's interim chair since June, when he took on the role following the departure of Peter Hindley.

Mr Blackwood said: "I am delighted that Clive will be joining the Board. His significant commercial, business and board experience together with his personal qualities will be invaluable."

Shares in Dignity were up after the appointment, rising 5.2% of 536.5p.