Protecting rail catering services

Early day motion 1482, tabled 10 February 2021 by Grahame Morris (Labour). Signed by 21 members.

That this House recognises that rail catering is a vital part of a high quality rail passenger offer and will play an important role in encouraging travellers back to the rail network when it is safe to do so; believes that the presence of catering staff also makes passengers feel more secure when travelling by train and understands that recent research conducted by Transport Focus found that staff play a central role in making passengers feel safe on trains; is concerned that across the UK, many rail catering workers are outsourced, with less job security and inferior working conditions compared to directly employed staff; commends the Welsh Government’s decision in 2020 to bring its on-board catering staff in-house; notes that South Western Railway, whose operations are currently being funded by the Government via an Emergency Recovery Measures Agreement (ERMA) has recently terminated its on-board catering contract with provider Elior and that this decision was authorised by the Department for Transport; supports the Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers Union (RMT) campaign to protect rail catering; and calls on the Government to ensure that catering is protected across the rail network and all outsourced rail catering contracts are brought in-house at the earliest opportunity.

Signatures by party: Labour 15, Independent 3, DUP 1, Labour/Co-operative 1, Scottish National Party 1.