Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent assessment he has made of the potential effect on job (a) numbers and (b) roles of staff employed via subcontractors on the Virgin Trains West Coast line of the disqualification of Stagecoach from three rail franchise bids.
The Invitation to Tender for the West Coast Partnership does not specify a reduction in any staff, and is explicit in its requirement for a franchisee who will provide a high-quality experience for all customers, including through excellent customer service.
Overall, since 2010/11 we have seen an increase in the total number of people employed by Train Operating Companies of nearly 20%.