Solo/Lone Working at First to Last Stations (GTR)

Our Ref: HSR/2/25
Head Office Circular: NP/217/19
24th October 2019
To: The Secretary
ALL BRANCHES
REGIONAL COUNCILS

Dear Colleague,

SOLO/LONE WORKING AT FIRST TO LAST STATIONS (GTR)

Brighton and Hove City Branch submitted the following resolution:

Against a backdrop of rising threats and violence towards railway staff, Govia Thameslink Railway is extending “First to Last” staffing to more of its stations. It is proposed from the company that station staff working solo/alone late in the evening or at night at these stations are visible. The TSGN (2014) franchise agreement does not stipulate where staff are deployed on the station only that they are visible. Therefore, we would contend, there is no legal or commercial requirement for station staff to be working alone at night to be in an insecure environment or operating ticket barriers. Members are at risk of abuse; verbal, violence and /or aggression, particularly from members of the public who can be under the influence of drugs or alcohol. There is also the matter of security related to monies that could be around station premises. We seek a ‘no lone working agreement’ across the company for station staff.
The resolution was considered by the NEC at their meeting of 22nd October 2019 where they noted and adopted the following report of their Health and Safety Sub-committee:

We note the report on file from our Regional Organiser and that the company appear unwilling to agree our instruction to reduce lone working. General Secretary is instructed to obtain a further report on the proposed reorganisation and place that report in front of National Executive Committee.
I am acting in accordance with these instructions. Please make the contents of this circular available to all appropriate members.

Yours sincerely

Mick Cash
General Secretary