The Government is concerned that Christmas train services could be disrupted by a staff shortage, the railway minister has said.
Lord Hendy said the Department for Transport would “monitor staffing levels closely” throughout the holidays.
Disruption could also be exacerbated by further industrial action, with Avanti West Coast train managers voting in favor of a three-day strike over the festive period.
Recruitment has proven difficult in the rail industry, leaving train operating companies dependent on volunteer staff to take on extra paid shifts, particularly on major occasions.
A Department for Transport official told MPs the rail system was generally “too reliant on overtime” for train staff, particularly in the run-up to Christmas.
Many train drivers and other crew do not include Sunday work in their contracts, with some operators offering additional paid shifts to ensure services run smoothly.
On Tuesday, the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union announced that walkouts were planned for December 22, 23 and 29 for Avanti services, after rejecting the train company's proposals for “comprehensive arrangements”. work for days off.
Conductors typically work 41 hours per week, but due to staff shortages, they may be asked to work on their days off.
The RMT, however, described the current arrangements as “unacceptable”, and some 300 conductors are expected to stand down.
Avanti West Coast said customers would face “significant disruption” during “our busiest and most important time” of the year.
It was announced weeks after RMT members working at a number of other train companies agreed to a pay rise of 4.75% for the last financial year and 4.5% for 2024-25.
However, those working for Northern recently rejected the company's four-month enhanced pay offer for drivers working on Sundays.
As a result, passengers may experience disruption to its services in December, the company said.
Lord Hendy told MPs on the Commons transport committee that there were concerns that closures to some parts of the railway over Christmas would put more pressure on others.
The UK rail network is completely closed each year on Christmas Day, with a limited service on Boxing Day.
Many lines will be closed for longer over the festive period as Network Rail, which owns and maintains the railways, carries out engineering work.
Lord Hendy, who chaired Network Rail from 2015 until joining the Labor government, said: “Christmas is a good time to carry out major engineering works because there is less demand over several days.”
Network Rail has previously said passenger numbers at major stations typically fall by 50-60% in the seven days between Christmas Day and New Year, compared to a week in November or early December.
