Trade union calls for railway works to restart in Scotland

A trade union has called for railway enhancement works to restart in Scotland in a bid to protect jobs.

The RMT has written to the First Minister saying it is confident the industry can get going with the strictest possible health and safety guidelines.

It pointed to the sector recommencing in England and Wales as well as ongoing renewal works still taking place north of the border.

RMT general secretary Mick Cash said: “For some reason, despite our reassurances, the Scottish Government is insisting this sector remains under lockdown which is now putting hundreds of my members’ jobs potentially at risk.

“RMT believes that if this current illogical position remains in place rail infrastructure workers will potentially be thrown on the scrap heap simply due to political decisions being made which are totally contrary to the advice being given to Scottish Government ministers by Network Rail on behalf of the rail infrastructure contracting supply chain and by RMT on behalf of the workforce.

“We are ready to offer those reassurances to the First Minister and Scottish Government and have today requested an urgent meeting to agree a way to protect jobs whilst ensuring the highest standards of health and safety.”

Railway enhancement works were halted amid the coronavirus outbreak as part of lockdown measures.

The industry has fallen under the same restrictions as the wider construction sector in Scotland.