29.03.19
Five Caledonian Sleeper staff quit after reporting for work following drinking sessions
Five Caledonian Sleeper staff have left the operator after they were caught turning up to work after drinking in two separate incidents.
The staff, who worked on-board the new sleeper services between London and Scotland, were suspended following the incidents and then allowed to resign instead of being sacked.
The first incident occurred at Euston Station in London last week after four staff members turned up for work under the influence of alcohol on the Highland Sleeper, and a fifth member of staff was caught in Glasgow.
Ryan Flaherty, Serco’s managing director for Caledonian Sleeper, said: “Caledonian Sleeper’s primary priority is the safety of our guests and staff and we have clear staff policies in place around alcohol consumption.
“Immediately after being made aware of potential breaches, we investigated and can confirm that five members of on-board crew have left the company.”
An industry source speaking to The Scotsman said: “Sleeper staff have been told anyone caught from now on, under the influence of any substance, will not be allowed the easy option of resignation.
“That allows the retention of all rail travel passes, pension contributions and the option to be re-employed within the industry with no trace of drunk on duty recorded.”
New Caledonian Sleeper trains made their first test run from Scotland to London in January, ahead of the delayed launch of the £100m fleet in May.
Featuring en-suite bathrooms and double beds, the sleepers will operate between Glasgow, Edinburgh and London Euston but the owners of Caledonian Sleeper cited “time consuming and complex processes” in testing for the delays.