Our Ref: HSR/1/3
Head Office Circular: NP/116/20
20th May 2020
To: The Secretary
ALL BRANCHES
ALL REGIONAL COUNCILS
Dear Colleague,
LACK OF WELFARE PROVISION, SALFORD CENTRAL STATION – CARLISLE SUPPORT – NORTHERN TRAINS LTD CONTRACT
I have received reports from my Carlisle Support gate-line members that adequate welfare provisions, covered under the 1974 Health and Safety Act, are not being provided by Carlisle Support at Salford Central station. Salford Central station is one of several static work locations these members are expected to work out of for long shift patterns, sometimes without the use of any welfare provisions whatsoever.
My members have reported that during the hours that the booking office is closed at the station there is no access to the following provisions: toilet facilities, running water, first aid materials, a safe and secure place to store belongings, and mess room facilities to take a break.
I have written to Northern Rail and Carlisle Support expressing my anger at the working conditions my members are having to endure. I have demanded the immediate end to this method of working and that full welfare provision must be maintained at all times these staff are on duty.
I have also written to the Office of Rail and Road demanding its inspectors inspect this workplace as a matter of priority, and written to RMT members employed at this location informing them of their rights with regard to serious and imminent danger.
I will keep members appraised of any developments. Please make the contents of this Circular available to all appropriate members.
Yours sincerely
Mick Cash
General Secretary