Call for Government support as Hull Trains consults over redundancies

The rail operator restarted its direct service to London at the end of August, after it was suspended because of the pandemic.

Hull East MP Karl Turner said the open access operator was "clearly struggling" as it did not qualify for Government funding through Emergency Measures Agreements.

A formal consultation over 23 redundancies began earlier this month. Some onboard catering roles are understood to be under review and call centre staff are being moved to Sheffield.

According to the RMT union, which is also campaigning against the job losses, Grand Central, another open access operator, is forecasting a £20 million loss this year, and has cancelled its proposed North West project, putting 17 posts at risk of redundancy.

Mr Turner said he had asked for a meeting with Transport Secretary Grant Shapps, adding: "If they are serious about levelling up the Government needs to stop talking the talk and take action."

The RMT says rail passenger numbers remain significantly below pre-Covid levels and Mr Turner said on a recent trip he had the carriage to himself.

He said a high proportion of staff were women, adding: "These are really high quality jobs and we must not lose them."

A spokesman for the RMT said: "Open access operators are getting nothing. Our campaign is to get Government money into them and prevent the potential collapse of both Grand Central and Hull Trains."

Louise Cheeseman, managing director for Hull Trains said: “Our strategy to protect the long-term future of Hull Trains began back in March when we hibernated the business.

“We have been working with FirstGroup to establish a sustainable business plan for Hull Trains and, whilst we have made a very cautious return, we have always known that getting back on track would come with its challenges.

“As a result, there are some proposals which have been shared with Union Reps and a formal consultation process is in progress.”