Region's train firm cutting 300-plus jobs

National Express looks likely to cut more than 300 jobs among its rail staff across East Anglia - including the closure of its call centre in Norwich.

The closure of the Prince of Wales Road facility will mean 73 job losses, while the rest of the cuts will be spread throughout the company, mainly among administrative workers.

Of the 314 jobs lost, 72 vacancies will not be filled, according to information received by the Transport Salaried Staffs' Association (TSSA).

TSSA general secretary Gerry Doherty said: “We are surprised at the size of the cuts given that National Express only announced three weeks ago that its rail revenues have increased 9pc in the past 12 months.

“With pre-tax profits of £90m last year, it looks as though the firm is anticipating a serious downturn in the coming recession. This is a bad blow for the eastern region, which is suffering higher unemployment like all other regions in the country.”

A National Express spokesman would not confirm the figures, but said: “We can confirm we are proposing to close our Norwich call centre, which may lead to a reduction of 73 roles in Norwich.

“We are also planning to make changes to the way we provide food and drink on board the Norwich to London trains in response to changing customer needs.

“We are proposing to remove the restaurant service, and improve our buffet and at-seat service. Also, as any sensible business does, we are constantly reviewing the structure of the business.

“We are undertaking a review to give greater focus on customer service and operational delivery. Our people are being fully consulted and the outcomes are being shaped by consultation with trade unions and elected staff representatives.

“While these consultations are taking place, we are unable to confirm the total number affected by the review at this time.”

Courtesy of EDP

19 November 2008