Rail cuts cost lives

Rail union RMT has vowed to fight what it calls a “jobs massacre” — the axing of 1,500 safety-critical maintenance jobs by Network Rail.

The union says the recent severe weather conditions have shown the need for adequate maintenance staff levels to keep the railways safe. “If anything, we need more staff to cope with these periods of pressure,” said general secretary Bob Crow.

Last month, the RMT held a rally and lobby of Parliament as part of its Rail Cuts Cost Lives campaign. Industrial action may follow against the job cuts.