NETWORK Rail has accused a rail union of ‘scaremongering’ after it claimed the rail infrastructure will be unsafe if it cuts back on its track renewals programme.

The attack from the RMT union came after the track and signalling company said that there would be a cutback in the volume of track renewals in the first year of the new five year spending period.

This would allow time for new and more efficient ways of working to take effect, but overall the ‘outputs’ for the five years would remain the same, with investment levels of almost £4 billion, said Network Rail.

The company added that the phasing of the work was to deliver value for money needed to meet tough efficiency targets set by the Office of Rail Regulation.

But RMT demanded re-instatement of the full programme of planned renewal work and a reversal of cuts in maintenance regimes and inspections.

“The 22 per cent efficiency savings demanded by the ORR are being translated into a massive assault on planned renewals, inspections and maintenance that raises the spectre of another Hatfield or Potters Bar,” said RMT general secretary Bob Crow.

But an NR spokesman said: “Over the next five years we will be investing around £4 billion on an intensive renewals programme to improve the railway. As ever, we will never compromise on safety – to suggest otherwise is scare-mongering.

“To get value for money we have looked at all track renewal work for next year and deferred some work, but only where safety and performance would not be compromised.”

Meanwhile, the spectre of more job losses in the industry is looming, with trade unions fighting proposed redundancies on several fronts.

First Capital Connect is looking for 18 job cuts with a planned reduction in ticket office opening hours.

First ScotRail is looking for 40 redundancies in managers and other support staff at HQ.

Southeastern says it will cut 300 jobs, with up to 90 redundancies, including management and administration staff, by May.

National Express East Anglia wants to shed 300 jobs

Train builder Bombardier was able to reinstate 70 of its laid-off 77 workers at its Derby Litchurch Lane works. Five production lines of new coaches were slowed temporarily because component  suppliers were unable to get credit for materials.

Bombardier then bought the Derby operation of Time 24, which supplies control and panel wiring, and is now buying in components and materials from other suppliers.

Consultants Ove Arup and Partners is to axe up to 400 jobs across the country after its FLARE joint venture with Fluor and EC Harris was dropped from the bidding for Crossrail’s £400 million delivery partner contract.

Atkins has placed 260 consulting and architectural staff on redundancy consultation in the regions and London as a result of worsening market conditions in the sector.

In an attempt to save £2.4 million in the next 18 months, London Underground is to axe 1,000 jobs, the first of which will go in April following consultation. Hundreds more will be lost at Transport for London.