Now Industry Job Losses Top 1,000

摘要

The severe economic downturn - now officially classed as a recession - is taking its toll on train operating companies, and three have announced job losses totalling more that 1,000. The biggest cuts come at South West Trains, which is to cut 480 management, administration and other jobs, hoping to achieve as much as possible by voluntary redundancy. Fellow ex-Southern Region TOC Southeastern has overall plans to eliminate 300 positions - 7.5 per cent of its 4,000-strong workforce. This has heightened fears that standards could decline, just as they did when predecessor Connex SouthEastern slashed jobs, leading to the then Strategic Rail Authority having to step in and take control of the franchise. Said a Southeastern spokesman: "It's necessary to take these measures at a time of reduced journey growth and a more challenging economic climate." National Express East Anglia also wants to cut 300 jobs, but this is being challenged by five MPs from East Anglian constituencies. Led by Norwich North MP Dr Ian Gibson, they want NXEA to reverse its plan, claiming it will damage passenger services. Dr Gibson also claims that the train operator is only interested in profits after paying out more than ￡40m in dividends last year.