Union calls for government support as Hull Trains suspends all services for second time

The union said open access operators - which are reliant on ticket sales - had become a "poor relation" - denied guaranteed financial support underpinning the franchise holders.

Hull Trains restarted its direct service to London at the end of August. It had suspended services on March 30, following the huge drop in passenger numbers, after the first lockdown.

RMT General Secretary Mick Cash said they would do everything in their power to support staff at Hull Trains and Grand Central who were "living on a knife edge, with no security".

He said: ‎”RMT is calling for more government support for these essential services between Humberside, West Yorkshire, the north east of England and London consistent with statements about levelling up the country."

Managing director of Hull Trains Louise Cheeseman said it would be "foolhardy" to run trains when people were being asked to stay at home and they could not generate an income.

She said they would resume services when it is "financially viable to do so."

She added: “The feedback from our local community, businesses and stakeholders has been remarkable and continues to give us a real boost.

"Thank you to all our loyal customers who continue to support us."

A formal consultation over 23 redundancies at Hull Trains began last month. Some onboard catering roles are under review and call centre staff are being moved to Sheffield.