Rail job cuts 'expected'

Network Rail could be courting more controversy

The UK rail operator is expected to cut up to 2,500 jobs in an efficiency drive, said the industry's main union.

Job losses will be spread across the company, which employs 14,000 workers, claimed the Rail, Maritime and Transport Union (RMT).

The cuts will be carried out during the next few years until 2006, it added.

Network Rail has not confirmed the job cuts, but said it would be announcing details of an efficiency programme early next week.

"Driving down costs and improving performance are Network Rail's main focus," a spokesman said.

"Head count is one area that we are looking at as part of our efficiency improvement programme."

Bonus row

Earlier this week, rail chiefs sparked a "fat cat" pay row after it was revealed they would get hefty payouts despite missing performance targets.

Network Rail failed to meet a train punctuality target of 83% in 2002-3.

Bob Crow, general secretary of the RMT, described the scale of the expected job cuts as "obscene".

"It is huge bonuses for the directors and P45s for the rest," he added.

"We will resist any compulsory redundancies, with industrial action if necessary."

Network Rail employs signalling staff, engineers, administration workers and other employees.