NORTHERN TRAINS: LONE WORKING DEVICE

Our ref: HSR

Head Office Circular: NP/130/25

30^th July 2025

To: The Secretary,

All Branches and Regional Councils

 

Dear Colleague

 

NORTHERN TRAINS: LONE WORKING DEVICE

 

The lone worker app trial arose from discussions held at Northern’s Joint Safety Committee (JSC). 

 

Through this JSC it was agreed to set up a working group drawn from grades across Northern to examine various aspects of lone working. Prior to the commencement of the trial RMT had already raised concerns from a previous project that looked at the use of apps for staff who were lone workers. 

 

Ahead of the trial, a precis was presented to the JSC explaining how the lone worker app would work, specifically in answer to the concerns raised. The following instructions were issued for the lone worker app trial, including being given to the working group and to each employee trialling the app. 

 

• Any trial users can only be tracked on the app by the third-party supplier and Northern have no access to this data
• The only time Northern would be aware is should an alarm be raised, and the third-party supplier contact Northern Control/On Call/Line Manager
• Northern has no intention to use the app for any unobtrusive monitoring of staff
• Trial users do have the option (if they want to) to share personal and medical information to the third-party app supplier. This information is securely held by the supplier and complies with GDPR. Additionally, this information would only be used in an emergency should medical help be required by the user
• Northern as part of the trial have no proposal to review any staffing levels. 

The trial ran from 25^th November to 23^rd December 2024. 

 

Progress has been reported back through Northern’s JSC. I am informed that the feedback from those involved in the trial was consistent, with both apps positively received. On balance, the People Safe app was considered a more advanced and user-friendly option, offering greater functionality and a faster connection to the alarm during test incidents. Trial participants found the apps helpful for lone working and agreed their use would be a valuable additional safety control measure. 

 

Based on what it believes to be a successful trial, Northern is considering options for a more widespread availability of the app to lone workers. 

 

At its meeting on 29^th July 2025, your National Executive Committee noted and adopted the following report from its health and safety subcommittee:

 

We note the correspondence on file from the employer.

 

We note that progress has been reported back through Northern’s JSC with feedback showing that both apps were positively received and that trial participants found the apps helpful for lone working and agreed their use would be a valuable additional safety control measure. 

 

The General Secretary is instructed to seek an updated report from the lead officer prior to responding to the company.  Without prejudice to the views of this union on the apps in question, any such response will include a statement reiterating RMT’s objection to the principle of lone working.

Branches and Regional Councils to be advised.

 

I am acting in line with these instructions. 

 

Please bring this circular to the attention of all relevant members.

 

Yours sincerely

 

Eddie Dempsey, 

General Secretary