Network Rail Staff Levels, Working Arrangements and Employment Conditions 2021-04-29
2021-04-29
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about recent proposals by Network Rail that could involve job losses and reduced maintenance work, raising fears of safety issues similar to those under Railtrack.
What recent discussions has the Secretary of State had with Network Rail representatives on future staff levels, working arrangements, and employment conditions?
As sole shareholder, the Secretary of State has regular discussions with the chair and chief executive officer of Network Rail, as do I. Obviously those discussions sometimes cover matters such as the structure and operation of that organisation.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific details about recent discussions on staff levels, working arrangements, and employment conditions were not provided
Avoiding Specifics
General Statement
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The trade unions are alarmed by recent Network Rail proposals that could involve job losses and reduced maintenance work, raising concerns about compromising safety on railways.
I thank Network Rail for contacting me yesterday, but may I point out that the trade unions are alarmed to hear of its recent proposals, which could involve the loss of thousands of rail jobs and a halving of the frequency of safety-critical planned maintenance work? We certainly do not want any return to the cost-cutting and safety failures under Railtrack. Can the Minister assure the House that safety will not be compromised and that any changes will be agreed with the trade unions and the regulator, which play such a vital role in protecting safety on our railways?
Yes.
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Assessment & feedback
Details about safety assurances and agreements with unions were not provided, only a one-word affirmative response was given.
Deflecting By Providing Minimal Response
Response accuracy