EX-CBI BOSS John Cridland is set to shut rail workers out of discussions on axing train guards across northern England.

The board of Transport for the North will host Tory Transport Minister Jo Johnson at a meeting in Manchester today.

Rail union RMT has written to Mr Cridland, who heads the devolved body, seeking to present the case for retaining guards.

When the Morning Star contacted Transport for the North for comment yesterday, the paper received no response.

Crisis-hit rail operator Northern, which is owned by the German state, plans to roll out driver-only operation on many of its services.

RMT general secretary Mick Cash said: “With the continuing problems on the Northern franchise it is important that the devolved transport authority hear the staff case for the guard guarantee and are given an opportunity to understand why the union remains in dispute with Arriva Rail North.

“Devolved transport bodies in Wales and Scotland have played a key role in underpinning the guard guarantee and we see no reason why the north of England should be any different.”

Northern’s stance on driver-only operation has led to a series of strikes by RMT members.

The company has also found itself in the spotlight over travel chaos following the introduction of a new timetable earlier this month.

The operator has also suffered from an ongoing shortage of train crew.