Getting On Track: Boosting Talent and Diversity in UK Rail

July 2, 2024
Getting On Track: Boosting Talent and Diversity in UK Rail
With over 240,000 employees across the country, the UK rail industry keeps Britain moving. However, a wave of retiring workers combined with rising passenger demand threatens major skills shortages in the coming decade.

If they prioritise diversity and inclusion in hiring, rail companies have a golden opportunity to build resilient talent pipelines for the future. Read on to review the state of UK rail employment and workforce programs aiming to drive positive change.


Experience Abounds, But So Do Gaps


Due to low staff turnover (just 3% annually), nearly two-thirds of rail workers have over 8 years’ of experience. This brings valuable institutional knowledge. On the other hand, such veteran dominance makes the industry vulnerable to mass retirements.


By 2033, up to 50,000 long-tenured employees could leave operational roles as they age out of the workforce. Recruitment alone won’t fill this experience gap quickly enough.


Add in Brexit-related losses of EU nationals (15% of workers today) and rising passenger volumes requiring more staff, and rail employers have major hiring challenges ahead.


Where Are the Women?


Like many industrial fields, UK rail remains dominated by men, who hold 83% of jobs sector-wide. Representation looks even slimmer in higher-paying commercial rail (87%) and critical signalling/design (88%) positions.


However, a few major players are taking steps to balance the scales. Giants like Network Rail, Transport for London, and Southeastern Railway currently employ the most women.


Meanwhile, Southeastern, East Midlands Trains and more are removing gender biases from hiring and targeting ads to attract female applicants for driver roles. Though change is gradual so far, these initiatives set an important precedent.


All Aboard the Inclusivity Train


With expansions to high-speed infrastructure in the works, UK Rail has no choice but to rapidly expand and diversify its workforce pipeline. From entry-level apprentices to senior leaders, employers must seek talented people from all backgrounds.


Industry groups like the Strategic Transport Apprenticeship Taskforce (STAT) aim to broaden rail’s talent pool through training programs. However, true inclusion requires looking beyond skills to embrace wider diversity.


The future of rail relies on each operator working to strengthen their workforce. Only by reflecting the vibrant range of customers they serve can they drive the innovation needed to keep Britain’s network on track for the 21st century.

We’re your strategic delivery partner for diverse talent in the rail industry.


Get in touch to discuss how we can help.

December 18, 2024
December is a month of magic, and nowhere is this more apparent than in the dazzling transformation of iconic rail stations and infrastructure projects worldwide
December 11, 2024
The holiday season is synonymous with joy, celebration, and gift-giving, but behind the scenes, there’s a complex logistical operation that ensures festive cheer reaches homes across the country. Rail freight plays a pivotal role in this process, moving everything from toys to Christmas trees and festive foods to ensure the shelves stay stocked and the spirit of the season remains unbroken. Here’s how the rail industry rises to the challenge of keeping the season bright and bustling. The Backbone of Holiday Supply Chains As the calendar flips to December, the demand for goods soars to meet holiday expectations. Rail freight becomes a critical artery in the logistics network, moving large volumes of cargo efficiently, sustainably, and reliably. From major ports to regional distribution hubs, trains transport an incredible variety of goods, ensuring stores are stocked and online orders fulfilled. This vital role is especially evident in transporting: Festive Foods : Fresh produce, canned goods, and seasonal treats like mince pies and chocolates make their way to retailers. Toys and Gifts : Rail moves massive quantities of toys, electronics, and other popular holiday items from manufacturers to warehouses and stores. Decorations and Essentials : Everything from Christmas trees to wrapping paper finds its way via freight cars. By alleviating road congestion and reducing carbon footprints, rail ensures that the supply chain operates at its peak without compromising sustainability. The Workforce Behind the Tracks Making this happen requires a dedicated workforce operating around the clock. From freight operators to infrastructure maintenance crews, teams across the rail sector work tirelessly to ensure seamless service during the busiest time of the year. This period also demands: Skilled Engineers to ensure the rail infrastructure can handle increased traffic. Freight Coordinators to optimise cargo loads and minimise delays. Maintenance Teams to keep everything on schedule, even in winter weather conditions. Recruitment strategies play a key role in meeting these demands. Deploy supports the industry by connecting organisations with professionals who possess the expertise and commitment needed to navigate this high-pressure season. Infrastructure Projects Supporting Supply Chain Resilience Rail’s holiday success story isn’t just about moving goods; it’s also about preparing the infrastructure to handle the load. Modernisation projects, expanded freight corridors, and cutting-edge technology ensure rail can meet increasing demand, not only during December but all year round. Advancements such as real-time tracking systems and improved scheduling software enable greater efficiency in managing the seasonal spike. These innovations underscore the industry’s commitment to delivering more than just packages – they’re delivering reliability, sustainability, and satisfaction. Overcoming Seasonal Challenges Winter presents unique obstacles, including adverse weather conditions and increased pressure on the network. Snow, ice, and freezing temperatures can disrupt rail operations, making maintenance and contingency planning essential. Despite these challenges, the rail industry consistently rises to the occasion. By investing in winterisation efforts, including de-icing technology and weather-resilient infrastructure, rail networks ensure that supply chains remain uninterrupted. A Season of Connection Beyond the goods it moves, rail embodies the spirit of connection during the holidays. It connects families, communities, and businesses, enabling the celebrations we all cherish. Its contribution to the supply chain is a reminder that the holiday season’s magic relies on teamwork, dedication, and meticulous planning. Let Deploy Support Your Holiday Operations As the rail industry continues to play a crucial role in delivering Christmas cheer, we at Deploy are proud to support its efforts. Whether you’re strengthening your freight operations or seeking talented professionals to meet seasonal demand, Deploy can help you deliver. Contact our recruitment experts today and ensure your supply chain runs smoothly this holiday season and beyond. Together, let’s keep the holidays on track!
December 4, 2024
As December rolls in, so does one of the busiest times of the year for rail networks
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