14 October 2025
RMT Press Office:
Rail union RMT, will be holding a demonstration at Old Palace Yard, Westminster against government changes to the Skilled Worker visa scheme which put the jobs and futures of hundreds of rail and Tube staff at risk.
The event will take place on Wednesday 15th October at 1pm.
Speakers confirmed so far include:
Eddie Dempsey, RMT General Secretary
Martin Cavanagh, PCS President
Bell Ribeiro-Addy MP
Apsana Begum MP
John McDonnell MP
The government has removed key rail and Tube roles from the visa scheme. This means staff who were recruited in good faith now face losing their jobs.
These changes were forced through without consultation and with virtually no parliamentary scrutiny.
RMT is demanding:
- An immediate pause to the visa changes
- Protection for existing staff already in post
- Full consultation with unions and the transport sector
RMT General Secretary Eddie Dempsey said: “Our members joined the rail industry in good faith, with the clear understanding they could build their futures here.
"The government’s sudden rule changes have torn that up, putting dedicated transport staff at risk of losing their jobs and creating unnecessary gaps in the workforce.
"This is no way to treat loyal workers who keep our railways running.
“We need these changes to be paused so the government can work with unions on finding a fair solution."
END
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