24
Network Rail achieved significant workforce savings through constructive trade union engagement.
Conclusion
Network Rail told us about its good, constructive relationships with trade unions which have allowed it to achieve workforce efficiency and productivity savings of around £775 million.53 They provided examples of headcount reductions from losing around 2,500 managers, work reductions whereby technology means they no longer use people for certain tasks, and improvements in productivity through changes to terms and conditions.54 47 C&AG’s Report, para 2.5 48 C&AG’s Report, para 8 49 Q 43 50 Qq 65, 95, 98 51 Correspondence from Department for Transport, 7 May 2024 52 RTP0002 53 Q 80–83 54 Qq 82, 84, 87 Rail reform: The rail transformation programme 15
Government Response
A response document is linked to this report, dated 11 July 2025. Response attribution to this conclusion has not been verified. Read the response document.
Source
Committee
Public Accounts Committee
Report
Thirty-Eighth Report - Rail reform: The rail transformation programme
27 May 2024
HC 652
Addressee Bodies
HM Treasury
Timeline
Recommendation age
2.3 yrs
Report published
27 May 2024