A TRADE union chief has warned of "widespread disruption" to rail services this summer unless agreement is reached with Network Rail on plans for redundancies.

TSSA general secretary, Manuel Cortes, has written to Network Rail amid reports the state-owned company is planning to slash thousands of jobs.

The union is demanding an undertaking that no-one will be forced out of a job.

In his letter to Network Rail's chief executive, Andrew Haines, Mr Cortes says that pressing ahead with current plans for reform is both unnecessary and will be taken as a sign of bad faith by his members.

The warning comes in the wake of continuing talks about the future shape of the UK rail industry.

He says TSSA's members have done much to keep the country's railways running during the Covid-19 pandemic.

He says that unless Network Rail steps back from its restructuring plans by the start of June, the union will be in dispute.

Mr Cortes added: “If Network Rail bosses think leaking their plans to hit our members’ jobs while we remain in the crucial Rail Industry Recovery Group (RIRG) talks is clever then they are badly mistaken.

“Let me be crystal clear, any attempt to use compulsory redundancies will be met by industrial action ballots and trains will be coming to a halt across the network this summer.

“There's an easy way to ensure this does not happen – and that is for Network Rail to give a no compulsory redundancies guarantee until at least December 31 this year.

"Unless this is forthcoming by the start of June we will be in dispute with the company.

“Our members have put their lives on the line over the past year while we fought this terrible virus.

"Their employers need to act responsibly and give them the peace of mind they need as they go to work each day keeping our railways safe for all.”