by Matt Trinder
Industrial Reporter

WORKERS are being put at risk by East Midlands Railway’s (EMR) refusal to take the new variant of Covid-19 seriously, the RMT said today.

The rail union accused bosses of “playing fast and loose” with staff lives by ignoring the science on the more contagious strain.

It called on members to “safe stop” if they are asked to work in dangerous conditions.

RMT general secretary Mick Cash said: “It is scandalous that EMR appear to be the only people in the country who don’t recognise the increased threat to life of the new Covid variant.

“RMT will not tolerate that cavalier approach to both staff and passengers alike.

“Our members have made it clear that they are deeply concerned and we are collecting evidence of the failed and botched ‘deep clean’ the company have promised on their trains.”

EMR must take immediate action to rewrite risk assessments to reflect the new threat, the RMT said. 

An EMR spokesman said: “Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, the safety of our customers and our colleagues has been our biggest priority.

 “As such, all of our current working practices are recognised as Covid-secure by Public Health England, the Office of Rail & Road and were jointly developed and agreed with RMT colleagues before their introduction.

“We are continuing to work in partnership with our union colleagues and the wider rail industry to ensure our services are in accordance with the latest government guidance and also continue to protect our front-line colleagues.”