Warning staff shortages could disrupt Christmas travel

The Railway Minister has said that the government is concerned that Christmas train services may be disrupted due to staff shortage.

Lord Hendy said the Department for Transport would “keep a close eye on staff” during the holidays.

Fresh industrial action could also increase disruption Avanti West Coast train managers are voting to hold a three-day strike over the festive period.

Recruiting into the rail industry has proven difficult, leading train operating companies to rely on staff volunteering to work extra paid shifts, particularly during major events.

A Department for Transport official told MPs that the railway system was generally “highly reliant on overtime work” for train crews, particularly around Christmas.

The contracts of many train drivers and other crew members do not include working on Sundays, with some operators offering extra paid shifts to ensure services can keep running.

On Tuesday, the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union said it had scheduled a walkout for Avanti services on 22, 23 and 29 December, after rejecting the train company’s proposals for “rest day working arrangements”. Has gone.

Train managers typically work 41 hours a week but due to staff shortages they may be asked to work even on holidays.

However, the RMT has described the current arrangements as “unacceptable”, with around 300 train managers expected to walk out.

Avanti West Coast said customers would face “significant disruption” during “our busiest and most critical” time of the year.

It was announced just weeks after RMT members working at several other rail companies accepted a pay rise of 4.75% for the last financial year and a 4.5% rise for 2024-25.

However, those working for Northern recently dismissed The company’s four-month increased pay offer for conductors working on Sundays.

The company said, as a result, passengers may see disruption in its services in December.

Lord Hendy told MPs on the Commons Transport Committee that there were concerns that the closure of some parts of the railway over Christmas could put more pressure on others.

Britain’s rail network closes completely on Christmas Day each year, with a limited service on Boxing Day.

Many routes will remain closed for long periods over the festive period as Network Rail, which owns and maintains the railways, carries out engineering work.

Lord Hendy, who chaired Network Rail from 2015 until the Labor government came into power, said: “Christmas is a good time to carry out major engineering work, as demand is low for several days.”

Network Rail has previously said passenger numbers at major stations are typically down 50 to 60% during the seven days between Christmas Day and New Year compared to a week in November or early December.