More than 20,000 jobs on the UK’s railways could be lost as a result of the government’s reforms to the rail industry, unions claim as they launch their Action for Rail campaign.
As part of its plans for the future of the rail industry, the government is asking train operating companies (TOCs) and Network Rail to outline how they will make cost reductions in line with the recommendations of the Rail Value for Money review led by Sir Roy McNulty. More than a quarter of these savings – £260m a year – will come through staffing cuts.
According to the McNulty Review this could lead to around 20,800 job losses, including rail guards, staff in ticket offices and on station platforms, catering staff and workers in maintenance and signalling.
Surveys consistently suggest that a lack of staffing is one of the key concerns of rail passengers, and more than 10,000 commuters and train users have so far registered their opposition to staff cuts in response to union campaigns.
The McNulty Review calls for the closure of 750 Category E (or small-staffed) station booking offices around the UK. Leaked Department for Transport emails indicate that agreement has already been reached with London Midland to completely close or severely reduce opening hours at ticket offices at 86 of its 90 stations, leaving many deserted at all hours and leading to the loss of around 100 staff.
Last month, the TUC, ASLEF, RMT, TSSA and Unite are launching an Action for Rail campaign which will bring passengers, campaigners and unions together to register their opposition to the government’s proposals.
More than 100 Labour and Liberal Democrat MPs have already signed a motion in Parliament registering their concerns, including two former leaders of the Lib Dems, Charles Kennedy and Menzies Campbell.
Under the new government plans, TOCs will be provided with longer franchises of up to 15 years and will be given much greater freedom over fare setting and train schedules. Unions and campaigners fear this will lead to closure and reductions of unprofitable services in rural areas.
TUC Midlands Regional Secretary Rob Johnston said: “The government vision of a rail industry with deserted stations, closed ticket offices and trains with no staff is one that appeals to train operators seeking to cut costs and maximise profits – but train passengers are appalled.
“The public wants the help, reassurance and safety that rail staff provide, which is why so many passengers have responded to our campaign and have expressed their anger at the plans to cull the rail industry workforce.”
