Network Rail to begin formal process to lay off up to 1,800 staff

RMT union told formal consultations on modernisation plans to begin on 1 July to save over 100m annually

Network Rail will start the formal process to lay off up to 1,800 staff at the end of the month, it has told the RMT, as the first day of the biggest rail strikes in 30 years halted most train services and forced travellers on to congested roads.

Talks were expected to restart on Wednesday to find a settlement to a dispute that involved 40,000 rail staff from Network Rail and 13 train operators walking out for 24 hours on Tuesday.