Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask His Majesty's Government when they became aware that train operators Southeastern, South Western and Govia Thameslink Railway had halted recruitment of new ticket office staff; and whether they are aware of any other train operators which have taken similar action prior to the start of consultation on ticket office closures; and what assessment they have made of the ability of train operators to fulfil their contractual legal obligations having halted the recruitment of ticket office staff.
Train operators manage their own vacancies, staffing levels and recruitment processes in line with their annual business plans and are expected to deliver their contractual obligations as good and efficient operators.