UK Rail Operator Announces 500 Job Losses

The UK’s Network Rail said around 500 maintenance employees will take voluntary redundancy by the end of May.

The rail operator claimed the move has become necessary because of streamlined practices, according to building.co.uk.

Network Rail director of maintenance Steve Featherstone said new infrastructure, technology and ways of working can maintain the railway more safely than ever before with fewer people.

“Those who are leaving get a severance package,” Featherstone said.

An additional 200 employees are expected leave in the coming months.

In January, 235 workers took voluntary redundancy.