Make Scotland's railways safer for women by stopping staff cuts

TSSA today (Thursday) called on the Scottish Government to make railways safer for women by stopping the planned cuts to station staff.

The union’s call came on the UN International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.

Research published earlier this year showed that 28% of sexual harassment incidents across the UK took place on our railways. 

TSSA leader Manuel Cortes said, “Pre-pandemic reports of sexual offences and violent crimes on our railways were on the rise, as they were across the rest of society 

“We know that the best way to make platforms and trains safer for women is for staff to be present at all times. Yet, earlier this year the Docherty report recommended closing ScotRail ticket offices and cutting more than a thousand jobs. 

“With ScotRail coming into public ownership in just four months the Scottish Government has a unique opportunity to do things differently. The best way that to make sure that our railways in Scotland continue to be a safe and comfortable place for all passengers is for them to stop the staffing cuts and ensure that the network is properly staffed at all times”

 Notes to editors

 UK government research shows 84% of women and 60% of men in the UK population have experienced sexual harassment in their lifetime. In the last 12 months, sexual harassment was reported to happen most frequently on the street or walking around (42%), in a club, pub or bar (31%) or on public transportation (28%).

The Government Equalities Office 2020 Report on Sexual Harassment.

BBC News' Report on the rise of violent crime reported on British Railways.

Herald Scotland's article covering ScotRail's report backing staff cuts.