Transport for London has taken the first step towards ending outsourcing, a practice which is vigorously opposed by the unions on the grounds that the employees of third party companies can have less favourable conditions.

TfL has confirmed that a comprehensive 12-month pilot to examine how cleaning services at bus and Underground stations can be carried out by in-house staff is beginning today.

First announced by the Mayor in January, TfL has been working with cleaning contractor Mitie and the RMT union to develop a pilot. TfL said the pilot has been ‘specifically designed to help TfL understand the necessary steps that could allow the services to be delivered in-house in an efficient, affordable and productive manner’.

TfL does not currently carry out its own cleaning, so it is hoping that the pilot will help build internal expertise while assessing the potential benefits and challenges to be overcome.

The pilot will cover most Victoria Line stations except King’s Cross, Oxford Circus and Warren Street, as well as the line’s depot at Northumberland Park, bus stations at Finsbury Park, Euston, Tottenham Hale, Vauxhall and Walthamstow, Victoria Coach Station, and British Transport Police sites at Buckingham Palace Road and Finsbury Park.

TfL will now assess the effects of the pilot on safety, security, passengers and the environment as well as quality and cost. TfL will also carry out regular surveys with those working on the pilot.

Around 250 cleaners will be seconded to TfL. At the end of the 12-month pilot, the results will be reviewed and the next steps decided.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan said: ‘I’m delighted to confirm a new comprehensive pilot scheme exploring how TfL could deliver cleaning services in-house will begin this week.

‘I’ve long championed insourcing where possible, and that of course includes our hard working and essential cleaning staff. I’m pleased that TfL is taking this important step both for customers and for the dedicated cleaning colleagues who help keep London moving.

‘I look forward to seeing the outcome of the pilot and want to thank the RMT for their work and invaluable input, which supports my aim of building a fairer, more prosperous London for everyone.’

RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey said: ‘We welcome the Mayor’s support for insourcing and the launch of this pilot project. RMT will be fully involved and working with TfL throughout to make sure that it succeeds. That way, the Mayor of London can help lead the way in delivering the government’s vision of the biggest wave of insourcing in a generation.’

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