General · 2 January 2026
Rail union calls for end to outsourcing
The RMT union has launched a national campaign calling for an end to rail outsourcing, claiming six major contractors extracted £152 million in profits last year while subjecting workers to inferior conditions. The union argues that companies like Mitie, OCS, and Churchill exploit predominantly Black and ethnic minority workers in cleaning, security and catering roles, stripping them of sick pay, pensions and job security. Rail Minister Peter Hendy acknowledged the complexity of existing contracts but said leaders should think afresh about outsourcing as Great British Railways prepares to nationalise passenger services.
Reported by The Guardian · How we write briefs