Media centre

Thursday 26 Mar 2020

Network Rail appeals for former signallers in the North East to keep vital train services moving

Region & Route:

Eastern

Network Rail is appealing for former professional signallers in the North East to help make sure the railway can continue running during the coronavirus crisis.

Network Rail is working hard to keep signal boxes and control centres across the region open 24/7. This allows key workers such as doctors and nurses to continue travelling to work and means vital food and medical supplies can be transported across the country via freight services.

Signallers make sure the railway operates safely and allow trains to run. 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 the North East. Whilst the railway is currently performing well, it is important to prepare for the next few weeks, and former signallers can provide crucial cover if some members of the workforce need to self-isolate.

Chris Gee, Head of Operations (Eastern region) for Network Rail, said: “We are working hard to keep vital services in place as these get key workers to their jobs and keep food and medical supplies across the country moving.

“We are appealing for signallers who’ve retired, moved on to other careers at Network Rail or left the railway to come back and help us keep signal boxes and control centres open.

“Signallers are crucial to keep the railway open and we need more former workers to help us provide back-up if some of our staff can’t come to work. Full re-training will be given.”

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

ENDS