26 May 2023
Why the Mayor must insource safety critical agency track workers on the Tube Summary •
London Underground engage hundreds of bogus self-employed track protection workers via two companies called Morson and Cleshar.
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These workers are given shifts by text message, never know how many hours or where they will be working and are denied sick pay, holiday, pensions and travel facilities.
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Two thirds of Track Protection staff say they would be worried about raising safety concerns for fear of losing work
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75% are struggling to make ends meet
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Most report constantly monitoring their phones and being uncomfortable turning down unsuitable shifts for fear of not getting future work
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Most report that their way of working creates stress for them and their families, leading to poor physical and mental health.
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Employing these workers in house directly would be more efficient, more economical and fairer and safer.
Introduction Despite the history of failed experiments with outsourcing of maintenance on the Tube maintenance, it is a little-known fact that London Underground still outsources some key safety critical track maintenance work to private companies. Morson and Cleshar provide hundreds of highly skilled safety critical staff who ensure safe working in Underground track maintenance and cleaning. The workers they provide for London Underground are on bogus self-employment arrangements. This means that they are denied many employment rights like sick pay, holiday or protection from unfair dismissal. The workers are often notified of work at short