To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent steps her Department has taken to support rail operators to help increase the number of train drivers being recruited and trained.
Answered on
18 October 2022
The Department for Transport holds a broad range of information about the rail network and has ongoing discussions with train operating companies (TOCs) on a range of workforce matters, including train drivers and train driver training. As the employer, TOCs are responsible for the recruitment, training and licensing of train drivers. The Department is committed to ensuring that the transport workforce better reflects our diverse society. For rail, this has meant that Emergency Recovery Measure Agreements and subsequent National Rail Contracts include requirements for TOCs to develop diversity and inclusion strategies. This includes reviewing their recruitment practices and collection of diversity data to encourage and support the promotion of a more diverse pool of candidates across the sector.