Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made, if any, of the possible impact of temporary agency staff replacing train drivers and signalling staff during rail strikes; when any such assessment was undertaken; and what the outcomes of any such assessment were.

The use of agency and temporary workers in the rail sector is not a new development. Where this happens, agency workers must of course be qualified and trained to safely and efficiently undertake the work in question. However, this development should mean agency workers can be used to support services during times of industrial action, which is good news for passengers and those who rely upon the railway.

The Government and rail industry, including Network Rail, have worked together and continue to work together to ensure plans are in place to minimise disruption allowing for freight and passenger services to remain operational where possible. The Civil Contingencies Secretariat is also convening ministers daily during the strike period to assess operational response and impact.