Unions warn rail review could cost 20,000 jobs

More than 20,000 railway jobs could be axed under government reforms of the industry, unions have warned.

Officials said surveys have repeatedly revealed that lack of staffing is a major concern of passengers, but they voiced fears cuts will be made as a result of a “value for money” review by Sir Roy McNulty.

Savings suggested by the review could lead to thousands of job losses among guards, ticket office and station staff, maintenance workers and catering employees, said the unions.

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The TUC, Aslef, Rail Maritime and Transport union, Transport Salaried Staffs Association and Unite launched a campaign aimed at opposing any cuts, handing out postcards to rail users across the country today.

TUC deputy general secretary Frances O’Grady 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.”

Rail performance minister Norman Baker said: “Our plans are to reduce the cost of running the railway by £3.5 billion per annum by 2019.

“If we can do this, we can reduce the burden on taxpayers and put an end to the era of above-inflation increases, as we are determined to do.”