Network Rail is preparing to cut up to 10% of its workforce in what could be the largest redundancy programme in the rail infrastructure giant's history, industry sources have revealed. The move, affecting thousands of employees, comes as the organisation grapples with mounting financial pressures from rising maintenance costs and reduced government funding.
A Network Rail spokesperson confirmed the organisation faced "significant financial challenges" and was working to "restructure" operations to meet demands of a "changing financial landscape". The cuts are expected to impact communities across Britain, where Network Rail maintains 20,000 miles of track and operates major stations.
Shadow Transport Secretary Louise Haigh blamed the Conservative government for the crisis, stating: "The Conservative government must take responsibility for the chaos they have unleashed on the rail industry." She added that Network Rail's troubles stemmed directly from government decisions to cap fares and abandon rail upgrade plans.
The redundancies come as Network Rail struggles with soaring costs for maintaining and upgrading Britain's ageing rail infrastructure, whilst government funding remains constrained. The Department for Transport has not responded to requests for comment on the planned job cuts or their potential impact on rail services across the country.