Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 22
22
Acknowledged
Rail reform savings largely met, but workforce reforms proved challenging to deliver.
Conclusion
The Department agreed with HM Treasury that it would deliver £2.6 billion in savings from rail reform by 2024–25, with most savings expected to come from workforce reform plans including modernising ways of working within train stations, improving control and deployment of drivers, and reductions in staff numbers.47 The Department recognised achieving workforce reforms was particularly high risk as they would be subject to negotiations with trade unions.48 The Department told us that it has achieved savings of £2 billion but some elements of workforce reform have been challenging to deliver.49
Government Response Summary
The government is resetting the relationship with the trade unions as part of its overall approach to reforming the railways and has recently made a proposal to the ASLEF trade union to settle the existing national pay dispute.
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
6.2 This government is resetting the relationship with the trade unions as part of its overall approach to reforming the railways. The government has recently made a proposal to the ASLEF trade union to settle the existing national pay dispute. The government believes that working in partnership with the workforce, and particularly their representatives, is essential to secure long-lasting reform for the benefit of passengers.