Up to 2,000 jobs are reported to be at risk at Network Rail because of financial pressures, reducing the total workforce by almost 5 per cent.

Staff in junior managerial grades are said to be the most likely to be affected.

Network Rail has yet to confirm any reductions, but the company has confirmed that a review has been taking place. 

It has been quoted as saying: ‘We’re committed to delivering a safe, reliable railway while reducing costs for taxpayers and meeting our £3.9 billion efficiency target for this control period.

‘To achieve this, we’ve reviewed how we operate across the business, including management structures, to ensure we’re as efficient as possible.

’Our review is now concluding, and we’ll be sharing proposals with colleagues and trade unions for discussion over the coming weeks before any final decisions are made.’

A message to all the staff has warned of financial pressures.

Network Rail group director of route services Clive Berrington is reported to have said: ‘We are facing increased demands that require additional resources, particularly in areas such as cyber security, new telecoms services, and lifts and escalators. We are also evaluating what needs to be done to get Route Services ready for GBR.’

Network Rail will effectively become Great British Railways and be responsible for running most passenger trains as well as managing the infrastructure when the Railways Bill has become law and the remaining former private sector franchises have been nationalised. The next to be transferred to public sector owner DfT Operator is to be West Midlands Trains on 1 February, followed by Govia Thameslink Railway on 31 May, with Chiltern Railways and Great Western Railway following later this year.

The Railways Bill has had its first two readings in the House of Commons and is currently at committee stage, but the new law is expected to receive Royal Assent this year and GBR will probably be launched in 2027.

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