Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 24
24
Acknowledged
Network Rail achieved significant workforce savings through constructive trade union engagement.
Conclusion
Network Rail told us about its good, constructive relationships with trade unions which have allowed it to achieve workforce efficiency and productivity savings of around £775 million.53 They provided examples of headcount reductions from losing around 2,500 managers, work reductions whereby technology means they no longer use people for certain tasks, and improvements in productivity through changes to terms and conditions.54 47 C&AG’s Report, para 2.5 48 C&AG’s Report, para 8 49 Q 43 50 Qq 65, 95, 98 51 Correspondence from Department for Transport, 7 May 2024 52 RTP0002 53 Q 80–83 54 Qq 82, 84, 87 Rail reform: The rail transformation programme 15
Government Response Summary
The Committee notes Network Rail's good relationship with unions and associated savings.
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
6. PAC conclusion: The Department has failed to engage with the workforce to successfully deliver its reform ambitions. 6. PAC recommendation: The Department should meaningfully engage with the workforce in order to implement its reforms successfully. In its Treasury Minute response, it should set out how it plans to engage with the workforce as part of implementing its reforms. 6.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: Winter 2024 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.