Media centre

Tuesday 31 Mar 2020

Network Rail appeals for former signallers in Norfolk and Suffolk to keep vital train services moving

Region & Route:

Eastern: Anglia

Network Rail is appealing for former professional signallers in Norfolk and Suffolk to help keep the railway running during the coronavirus crisis.

Network Rail is working hard to keep signal boxes and control centres across the region open round the clock. This allows key workers such as doctors and nurses to travel to work and means essential food and medical supplies can be transported across the country on freight services.

Signallers are crucial in the safe running of the railway. Network Rail is appealing for retired signallers, or those who have moved to other careers in the railway industry, for roles at signal boxes across Norfolk and Suffolk regions. Whilst the railway is currently performing well, it is important to prepare for the next few weeks, and former signallers can provide cover if some members of the workforce need to self-isolate.

David Davidson, Network Rail’s head of operations for Anglia, said: “We’re working hard to get key workers to their jobs and to transport food and medical supplies around the country. Signallers are crucial to keep this going and we need former workers to help us provide back-up if some of our staff can’t come to work.

“We’re appealing for signallers who’ve retired, moved on to other careers or left the railway to come back and help us keep signal boxes and control centres open. Full re-training will be given.”

Any former professional signallers interested in helping to keep trains moving should email: RetiredSignallersEasternRegion@networkrail.co.uk