Government must intervene over Eurostar station closures and jobs

TSSA General Secretary, Manuel Cortes, has urged the Government to intervene after Eurostar confirmed the closure of Ashford and Ebbsfleet International Stations until 2022 – raising fears of job losses.

The company said it had "not taken this decision lightly", adding that because of the pandemic it had to "reduce our costs so that we protect our business for the future".

Eurostar stopped operating from the two Kent stations in March at the outbreak of the Coronavirus crisis.

Manuel Cortes said: 

"We will do all we can to work with the company to protect jobs, but we must see meaningful discussions for our members about options for those working at these two stations.

"Frankly the extended closure of Ashford and Ebbsfleet is another clear sign that Eurostar needs help from the UK Government – something I called for months ago.

"Ministers can’t be allowed to sit on the sidelines – they must act now. The Transport Secretary and Chancellor simply have to step up to the plate and give Eurostar the proper support package it badly needs so that it can keep going under the present circumstances.

"Eurostar provides a green strategic link between Britain and our European neighbours, retaining these jobs and services will significantly increase the chances of Eurostar being on a firm footing as services return to near normal in the months ahead."