Cleanliness
condemnation

The
RMT
is
accusing
train
operators
of
failing
to
maintain
proper
cleaning
standards,
because
of
‘alarming
deficiences’
among
cleaning
contractors.
The
union
said
it
has
surveyed
800
cleaners,
and
that
75
per
cent
say
their
workload
has
‘surged’
since
they
started
their
jobs,
80
per
cent
feel
compelled
to
cut
corners
because
of
‘overwhelming
pressure’,
and
that
85
per
cent
often
come
under
pressure
to
take
on
additional
tasks.

Safety
strategy

The
Rail
Safety
and
Standards
Board
has
published
an
updated
Rail
Health
and
Safety
Strategy,
pointing
out
that
although
railways
in
Britain
are
among
the
safest
in
the
world,
they
are
not
risk-free.
The
RSSB
said
the
industry
is
facing
‘significant
challenges’
in
cost,
performance
and
reliability.
The
new
strategy
aims
to
help
the
railway
cope
with
these,
with
the
aim
of
having
the
world’s
healthiest
and
safest
railway.

Levenmouth
opening

The
return
of
passenger
trains
to
Leven
and
Methil
on
the
east
coast
of
Scotland
will
be
celebrated
with
an
official
opening
led
by
First
Minister
John
Swinney
on
29
May.
He
confirmed
the
arrangements
during
a
preview
visit
to
the
line’s
intermediate
station
at
Cameron
Bridge
on
Friday,
where
he
also
met
some
of
the
project
delivery
staff
and
young
graduates
employed
on
the
project.