SWR withdraws onboard catering

THE WITHDRAWAL of onboard catering has been announced by South Western Railway with effect from January 17. The operator has terminated its contract with provider Elior, meaning 130 jobs are at risk. SWR said the decision was taken after consultation with the Department for Transport and passengers; the coronavirus pandemic and reduced passenger numbers had made the service unsustainable. It also said it would make its vacancy lists available to the Elior staff involved.

The RMT union has called for the DFT to intervene and take the staff involved ‘in house’ to safeguard their employment. The union added: “South Western Railway’s decision to axe its onboard catering provision is short-sighted and will undoubtedly worsen the passenger experience.” The announcement will affect SWR’s long distance services, leaving passengers with no onboard refreshments.