On August 23 ScotRail reintroduced first class on its Inter7City routes and Class 385 Express services between Glasgow Queen Street High Level and Edinburgh Waverley. It had been suspended during the height of the pandemic to facilitate social distancing. Catering remains suspended.
Network Rail is examining market interest in the appointment of a specialist organisation to act as an independent mediator when conflicts with external stakeholders arise over woodland strategy. NR said any supplier should be perceived by external stakeholders to be acting objectively as a ‘critical friend’.
The Rail Delivery Group, British Transport Police and charity Crimestoppers have launched a campaign to tackle sexual harassment on rail services by ensuring people understand what constitutes such behaviour and inform people of the action they can take to report it.
Network Rail has awarded Commercial Property Maintenance Services Ltd a framework contract for the cleaning and maintenance on welfare units across the Scotland Route. The contract runs for three years with the option to extend for a further year.
GHD has appointed David Hurren as a Director within its Urban Design & Transport Planning division, with responsibility for continuing to grow the division, winning contracts and developing relationships with developers, public bodies and other stakeholders.
Belvoir Rail, EnPro Group, SEMP and Staytite have joined Rail Forum Midlands.
Network Rail has awarded Vital Human Resources a £150m labour provision contract for 2021-26, with a possible extension until 2029. Vital will supply 100% of frontline labour for the East Coast Main Line, Northeast, East Midlands and Wales, with roles including core labour, track, civils, trackworker protection and semi-professional grades. The company will also manage nationwide recruitment for signalling, telecoms, electrification and plant. Vital is to channel 20% of the workforce through SME alliance partners, and ‘consciously create a workforce that reflects the communities it serves’ by attracting BAME candidates, women, ex-offenders, entry-level talent and other under-represented groups.