Rail Industry Recovery Group (RIRG): Enabling Framework Agreement Joint Statement

Rail workers have played an important and vital role in keeping Britain moving by ensuring key workers, essential travel and freight services have been able to continue to operate throughout the pandemic and their continued support and experience will help us to build a safe, more reliable and efficient railway for the future.

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government has been funding the significant gap in rail finances created by the loss of passenger revenue. During this time, taxpayer support for rail services has increased significantly while the industry's operating costs have broadly stayed at pre-pandemic levels.

The Government’s position is that the current financial commitment is not unlimited or sustainable. As a result, industry representatives have worked with the four recognised Trades Unions to agree an Enabling Framework.

The Enabling Framework Agreement (EFA) sets out common principles and focus areas that will shape our work to create a sustainable recovery for our industry.  At its core is a transition to a more secure, sustainable future for our industry and those who work within it. You can read more about the EFA here

The next step is to establish industry-wide workstreams and sub-groups, including representatives from across the industry, to take forward detailed proposals for local discussion and implementation.

Further updates on progress will be communicated on a regular basis.