FirstGroup publishes CSR Report

Gemma King
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Sir Moir Lockhead with FirstGroup's CSR report.

FirstGroup, the leading transport operator in the UK and North America, has published its 2009/10 CSR Report.

The Aberdeen based company revealed that it has reduced its carbon dioxide emissions, increased lifelong learning opportunities for staff and improved safety performance across its operations.

Sir Moir Lockhead, Chief Executive of FirstGroup, said: “Our business is built around our core values of safety and customer service with CSR at the heart.  CSR issues guide our successful delivery of public transport services today and ensure they start to meet society’s future needs.

“Despite a challenging economic environment in the last 12 months, I am very pleased that we can point to such a positive CSR Report and one that demonstrates our improving performance.”

First’s five key CSR areas are:

1.        Safety – Injury Prevention
2.        Customer service; delivering the promise
3.        Valuing employees
4.        Minimising environmental impact
5.        Community engagement

Sir Moir Lockhead added:  “I am particularly proud of our progress and commitment to reducing our carbon footprint.”

Since the introduction of its carbon reduction programme in 2006, First has reduced its carbon dioxide emissions per kilometre in its UK Rail Division by an average of 6%.  Its UK Bus division has achieved a 5.8% reduction in emissions per passenger kilometre in the last two years.  First has fitted its UK bus fleet with DriveGreen, driver advisory systems to help drivers drive more safely and fuel efficiently.  First was also the first train operator to introduce equivalent systems.

Energy usage in First’s buildings has reduced by 4.3% in UK Bus and 2.3% in Rail, whilst across the UK, waste recycling levels have improved by 7%.  During the last 12 months in the UK, First has reduced its total water usage by more than 50,000m3 and the carbon emissions associated with business air travel by 57%.

“The achievements highlighted in the CSR Report are testament to the quality and commitment of our staff right across the Group.  We will always strive for improvement and look forward to reporting further successes in 2011,” Sir Moir Lockhead added.

Other highlights of the CSR report include:

  • First has reduced its Lost Time Injury rate by 18% and its passenger injury rate by 9% and has almost halved in the last four years.
  • Despite the winter’s severe weather conditions, which affected performance in many areas, First is delivering long-term improvements in its punctuality and reliability across most services.
  • In the UK, First continues to lead the industry in providing lifelong learning and Skills for Life programmes for its employees. 85% of First UK Bus employees have access to learning centres, while the company has implemented an online basic skills assessment programme for its employees, which offers learning tools to help staff achieve national test levels in adult literacy or numeracy. More than 1,000 employees are working toward these standards and in the last 12 months 632 have achieved Level 2 in adult numeracy or literacy.
  • First continues to be recognised for its industry leading rewards and pensions programmes.  The UK Bus scheme won ‘Pension Scheme of the Year’ at both the Professional Pension Awards and FT Business Awards in 2009.
  • In the UK First led the establishment of Greener Journeys, a collaborative initiative involving the major UK bus and coach operators.  Through Greener Journeys First is campaigning for policy measures that facilitate better public transport systems and promote bus and coach travel.
  • All FirstGroup’s UK companies are accredited with the ISO 14001 environment standard.
  • First’s group-wide contribution to local communities this year totals £1,847,807 as measured by the London Benchmarking Group.

Benefit bike ride to Belgium

Gemma King
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An employee from FirstGroup, Britain’s biggest transport operator is itching to get back in the saddle after an adventurous charity bike ride to Brussels left him battered and bruised.

Alastair Sexton Jones, Rail IS Programme Manager cycled 310 miles from London to Brussels as part of a 20-bike convoy all raising money for different charities.

On day three, Alastair suffered an unfortunate 25mph crash as he checked on the fortunes of another rider.  He sustained deep tissue leg injuries, a frozen shoulder and whip-lash.  Luckily there was a qualified doctor with the group but even so Alastair had difficulty in walking for a couple of days.  Despite the pain, he courageously carried on cycling, determined not to let down his charity; the Railway Children, for whom he has raised £2,500 including a generous donation from First’s Charity Committee.

Even before the accident, it was not all plain sailing.  Alastair unfortunately over-shot one of the signposts at speed and got lost in the middle of the Belgian countryside.  Fortunately, he managed to find his way and make up the time (unlike one rider who went missing for four hours after failing to follow directions.)

Alastair commented: “It was a great adventure and tougher than expected –Holland and Belgium are flat, but riding against the wind and rain was a struggle at times.

“My injuries are healing well – but the pain of spending 35 hours in the saddle is still fresh in my memory!

“I will definitely do it again, perhaps the year after next, so as to give my sponsors the chance to save up!”.

Kate Lamb, the North West representative on First’s Charity Committee, congratulated Alastair and said; “we are always pleased when we can support our staff in their fund-raising efforts especially when they are helping the community.  Well done to Alastair.  The Railway Children does a fantastic job in helping children who unfortunately risk their lives living around the world’s railways.”

Alastair, 50,  is married with one 10 year old son and lives in Glossop.  He has worked for First for almost six years.  He has always been a keen cyclist but lost his father-in-law to Alzheimers in 2009 and decided to do something useful with his holidays and so rode to Paris to raise awareness of the disease.   He is always riding one of his five bikes and continuously trains to keep fit.

The Railway Children provides help to children in need, hardship or distress and in particular to those living on railway stations in the UK and across three continents.  Donations can be made at www.justgiving.com/railwaychildren.

Alastair was awarded funding to donate to The Railway Children by FirstGroup’s Sponsorship and Charity Committee.  The Committee comprises 12 members of staff based throughout Britain and considers requests for funding and gifts from groups and organisations across the country. For further information on the Committee please visit www.firstgroup.com

Contractors appointed for Metrolink extensions

Gemma King
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from left - Kevin Ford (Thales), Gerard van de Aast (Volker Wessels), Andy Crompton (Laing O'Rourke), and David Leather (Chief Executive, GMPTE)

This week has been a landmark for Manchester’s Metrolink system as contractors were appointed to construct new Metrolink lines to Oldham and Rochdale town centres and to Manchester Airport via Wythenshawe.

GMPTE has appointed MPact-Thales (MPT) to design, construct and maintain the three new tram lines.

In addition to the 48 new trams ordered for Greater Manchester’s expanding Metrolink network, 14 new trams are being procured to serve the extensions to Manchester Airport and Oldham and Rochdale town centres, bringing the total number of trams on order with Bombardier to 62.

David Leather, Chief Executive of GMPTE, said: “Following the approval of funding support from AGMA and GMITA, we have concluded negotiations for the delivery of the long awaited expansion of the Metrolink network.

“Contracts have now been signed for new lines to Manchester Airport and the town centres of Oldham and Rochdale, adding to the construction that is already underway from Manchester through Droylsden to Ashton, from Manchester through Chorlton to East Didsbury and the conversion of the former heavy rail line to Rochdale via Oldham.

“This milestone in Metrolink history will see the system almost treble compared to today’s network.

“With the support of our Delivery Partner, Parsons Brinckerhoff, and the experience of MPT, we are confident of successful delivery of the new lines.”

MPT, a consortium of Laing O’Rourke, VolkerRail and Thales UK, has already begun work on the three new lines and it is anticipated that trams will be running to Oldham and Rochdale town centres during spring 2014 and to Manchester Airport during mid 2016.

Bryan Diggins, MPT Project Director, said: “It is a great achievement for the consortium to continue working together on this critical project.  This award will allow us to complete the original vision for Manchester, providing the vital link from the urban areas of the city to the Airport, and essential town centre links for both Oldham and Rochdale.”

Nick Flew, Managing Director of Parsons Brinckerhoff Europe, said: “We are very proud to be integral to the expansion of Greater Manchester’s iconic Metrolink network and this latest landmark, further improving transport facilities for the region.“

Summer Celebration for ETS

Gemma King
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Burton-on-Trent based, ETS Workforce Ltd, is celebrating its  20th year in business, this summer. From a standing start the company now supplies engineering, commercial and industrial staff around the UK and globally.  Success is all down to the quality of the people ETS attracts, says General Manager, Mark Heathcote.  ‘We owe our success to the invaluable support of our clients and especially to all of the people who we have found work for over the years.  They really are a cut above the competition and many return to us when they are in need of our services.  We are looking forward to working with them over the next 20 years.’

The company was established in 1990 to provide a bespoke engineering recruitment, design and project management to the rail and power industries.  Mark and his team have expanded their portfolio to include commercial and industrial recruitment as well as maintaining their origins in engineering. ETS now provides staff on both a temporary and permanent basis to clients from all market sectors in the UK and world-wide. ‘In 2003 we started an ETS On Site Service,’ says Mark.  ‘We provide and staff up an ETS office on your premises and our people there work solely for that client. Talk about a seamless service – we really are only an open door away. This has proved very popular.’

ETS has always provided an all round recruitment service to its clients.  Types of staff provided include both skilled and semi-skilled blue collar technical and industrial staff and office workers together with more senior level positions, providing a complete recruitment package – a ‘one stop shop’ for all recruitment needs.

The company prides itself on the skills and experience of its staff which is borne out by the fact that the collective industry experience of its in house team is well over one hundred years. Adds Mark, ‘We are really very proud of fact that we have been operating for as long as we have.  To be in business for 20 years, especially in an industry as competitive as recruitment is a real achievement and I’d like to thank all our people who made it possible and continue to deliver every day.  We may be having a bit of a wet summer– but the sun shining at ETS all right.’

Whether you are a company looking for staff or an individual looking for work please contact the team on (01283) 515511

New wash plant opens at Tyseley

Jonathan Webb
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A new £1.6m wash plant has opened at London Midland’s Tyseley depot. The new facility replaces a much older washer that was coming to the end of its working life, and compliments the depot’s underframe washer that was commissioned in 2007.

Network Rail has funded the new  wash plant and it is leased back to London Midland.

The washer has 3 settings: no wash, wash-detergent and wash-acid. Each Tyseley based train will pass through the washer at least once every 48 hours.

London Midland 170510 passes through the wash plant. Picture: Jonathan Webb

Sunderland Station refurbishment nears completion

Stewart Thorpe
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As the £7million renovation of Sunderland train station nears completion, the final touches are being made with the installation of a revolutionary piece of public art to one of the station’s 144 meter long platforms.

The Sunderland train station refurbishment commissioned by Network Rail and Nexus, and designed by one of the North East’s most recognised architectural firms Sadler Brown, has taken just 12 months to complete.

Since its high-profile rebuild in the 1960s following a bomb attack in World War II the station had become tired and dated.  The renovation was earmarked as part of Nexus, Network Rail, Northern Rail and Grand Central’s commitment to providing first class rail services for passengers in the North East.

The renovation project saw Sadler Brown Architecture design, manage and implement a concept that significantly increased the amount of light reaching the underground station.  Adding suspended ceilings, installing heated waiting areas and improving access have been key components of the overall design.

Sadler Brown was also instrumental in the appointment of artists to work on the station’s public art displays.  The station’s ‘lost and found’ theme is continued in the latest piece of art which is due to be unveiled in August.  The animated “light wall” situated on the west wall of the station was created by international artist Jason Bruges Studios and centres around a ‘hidden’ platform that was formerly used by the post office.  The piece offers passengers an imaginative insight into the station’s history.

A glass block wall covering the platform will act as simplified pixel video screen, revealing the station’s past by projecting lights that portray movement and give the illusion that people are boarding trains arriving at the station.  A sensor system registers the arrival of trains and the light wall responds accordingly by showing activity.

David Benison from Sadler Brown said: “Everyone involved in the project was keen to incorporate some public art into the station’s design – the whole concept behind the regeneration was to bring some pride back into the station and we wanted something unique to make it stand out.

“We thought it would be a shame to hide the station’s history so suggested the platform became a pinnacle piece of the overall design.  Having sat on the committee to choose an artist, Jason Bruges’ suggestion stood out.  The idea of bringing the platform back to life fits perfectly with our design and builds on the concept of finding the platform, the station and a sense of pride.”

Sadler Brown has a proven track record of train station architecture having already received awards for its work on St Peters’ Metro station which was commissioned after the route was extended to Sunderland in 2000.  The team are also responsible for the successful development of the Metro’s Haymarket Hub station which was opened by HRH Princess Anne in March this year.

In addition, Sadler Brown is an integral part of the design team driving forward Nexus’ £350million reinvigoration of the Metro Rail System which is currently in its first phase of development.

Sunderland train station is unique in that it operates both major train lines to London as well as local Tyne and Wear Metro services.  It is the only station in the UK to accept both light and heavy rail transport on the same platform.

Alastair Bell, director of Sadler Brown Architecture said: “It has been great to be involved in such an exciting project from the start.  The station was in desperate need of an upgrade and the design had to take a host of elements into account such as passenger comfort, accessibility, safety and long term maintainability to ensure the stations long-term future.

“The design team made a commitment from the start that we wouldn’t close the station at any stage of the transformation, so a lot of consideration has been put into logistics and ensuring the work did not interfere with a full passenger service.  The station now offers a relaxing and practical environment and is a gateway to the city that residents can be proud of.”

New report shows local transport spending outside London could be decimated in spending review

Gemma King
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– Government urged to consider regional dimension in determining funding cuts –

A new report for pteg by finance and business advisors Grant Thornton UK LLP, shows that unprotected areas of the transport budget could be facing devastating cuts.

The report shows that if transport takes a disproportionate hit, and if areas of the transport budget continue to enjoy high levels of protection (such as London and national rail) then unprotected areas of transport spend (like local transport outside London) could be decimated.

The report sets out three scenarios for unprotected transport spending (which includes local transport outside London).  In all three scenarios by 2014/15 capital spend falls by nearly 90%, whilst revenue spending falls by between 56% and 85%.

The report can be downloaded at:

<http://www.pteg.net/NR/rdonlyres/3B1DCAA1-0452-4E27-A825-B0B883130941/0/GovernmentspendingcutsGTreportFINAL.pdf>

Chair of pteg, Neil Scales, said:

‘We understand that we are living in tough times for public spending and that hard choices will have to be made. This analysis shows how much care will need to be taken in the spending review to ensure that the regional dimension is factored in – otherwise we could be looking at the regions taking a disproportionate and divisive share of the spending reductions.’

‘The potential reductions in revenue spend are particularly alarming. We have a legal duty to fund the free pass for older and disabled people – whatever it costs. So any reductions in revenue will hit hard the other frontline services we provide – such as concessions for children and younger people, bus stations, and lifeline bus services.’

Neil Scales added:

‘We recognise we will need to do more for less and we are already making efficiencies accordingly. However, if the spending review can get the balance right between London and the regions, and between local transport and other areas of transport spend, then we will be in a far better position to keep frontline big city transport services in place.’

Partner and Head of Transport at Grant Thornton’s Government and Infrastructure Advisory practice, Will McWilliams said:

‘As the coalition government does not consider public transport a front-line service, it will have to take its share of the cuts required to reduce the budget deficit and national debt. However, it is imperative that any under-investment in transport does not come at the cost of jeopardising the economic competitiveness of our core cities and regions.’

Funding agreed for Gillingham Station upgrade

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Passengers in Gillingham will benefit from easier access to the railway and better facilities after funding was agreed for a significant upgrade of the station.

Detailed plans will now be developed for the scheme, which will be funded jointly through the national stations improvement programme and Community Infrastructure Fund and in partnership with Medway Council, to deliver the following enhancements:

  • Extending and refurbishing the station building to provide more space for passengers to circulate and a more pleasant environment.
  • Creating a striking, new glass entrance which will allow more natural light into the building
  • Upgrading passenger toilets to be accessible to those with reduced mobility and refurbishing the waiting rooms where required
  • Installing new cycle storage facilities and CCTV cameras making it more convenient and secure for passengers to ride their bikes to the station
  • Refurbishing the roofing to the platfoms and the over-bridge and installing secondary glazing to the high level walkway between the ticket hall and lifts
  • Installing new ticket vending machines and ticket gates, creating a new second passenger entrance on Railway Street.

Dave Ward, Network Rail’s route director for Kent, said: “Good rail links are vital for connecting people and businesses.   Passengers in Gillingham rely on rail to make 2.3m journeys every year reflecting the importance of the railway to the community and local economy.  This major upgrade of Gillingham station will make a big difference to local people, making the railway an easier and more attractive way to travel.”

Leader of Medway Council, Cllr Rodney Chambers, said: “This funding agreement is the latest example of major investment in Gillingham’s future. It will transform the station and the area around it. I’m delighted that this work can now go ahead, and the timing is excellent: the new-look station will be up and running ahead of the London 2012 Olympics for which Gillingham’s Medway Park sports centre will be an athletes’ training base.”

Vince Lucas, Southeastern service delivery director said, “This is good news for passengers who use Gillingham. We are always committed to providing the best service and environment we can and are looking forward to working with our partners to make this happen.”

It is hoped, subject to planning permission being approved, that work will start at the station early in 2011 and will be completed by summer 2011.  The work will be delivered by Network Rail.

Is South West trains right to ban employees from booking time off for the Olympics?

Gemma King
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Article comment: Is South West trains right to ban employees from booking time off for the Olympics

Further to the news that South West Trains has banned its staff from applying for leave to see the Olympics until 2012, which means that staff may miss out on applying for Olympic volunteer places and will be unable to plan their holidays ahead of time, Sarah Gallon, associate in the employment group at law firm Stephenson Harwood considers the implications:
Implications:
“Employees at South West Trains have been informed that they will not consider holiday requests for the Olympics until that year which means that employees hoping to volunteer for the Olympics will be too late to apply for volunteer places. South West trains are not being unreasonable in refusing to grant holiday for a period where significant demands are likely to be placed on their services and they are not legally obliged to grant holiday requests in these circumstances.

Employers should watch for employees taking sick days around this period. Employers are entitled to take disciplinary action against any employee who takes sickness absence if the employee is not genuinely sick however, employers must ensure that they have evidence that the absence is not genuine and must also follow a fair process.”
Legal action:
“It is interesting that the Train Drivers’ Union TSSA have stated that they are taking legal advice to see whether they can mount a legal challenge to the decision by South West Trains not to consider holiday requests for 2012 until that year. Many members of the union may question whether this is a good use of their subscription fees.”
Suggested management techniques:
“Businesses may want to consider implementing a formal volunteer scheme for the Olympics as a one-off event (or also covering similar events) to deal with requests for time off to volunteer. Any policy would need to take into account the basis on which requests will be granted (first come first served or looking at demand before granting any requests) and whether this should be taken as annual leave and/or unpaid leave.

Employers who are implementing a policy should also think about how they are going to deal with other requests for leave around this time which are unrelated to the Olympics, for example, will employees who request parental leave or holiday for leave for religious reasons around this period be granted time off? Potential discrimination issues could arise if employers refuse requests for leave without justification based on genuine business needs.

Employers should respond to any requests for holiday in accordance with the Working Time Regulations and any applicable holiday policies. The Working Time Regulations and most holiday policies give employers the right to refuse holiday requests where business needs require employees to be present at work. Although from an employee relations perspective, it may be advisable for employers to grant holiday requests where possible, this is not always practicable and will depend on the needs of the business.

Finally, employers should consider the effect on employee relations before making blanket decisions in relation to time off. Holidays are a valuable resource and employees who feel that such decisions are being made without good business reasons are at best likely to affect individual morale and at worst may prompt the employee to look for another job. “

Firms expands AECOM’s presence in Europe

Gemma King
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AECOM Technology Corporation (NYSE: ACM), a leading provider of professional technical and management support services for government and commercial clients around the world, announced today that it has acquired INOCSA Ingenieria, S.L. (INOCSA), a professional technical services firm with headquarters in Madrid, Spain.

INOCSA also has offices in the countries of Romania and Bosnia and a total of approximately 550 employees providing services to public and private clients. Its services include architecture, design, engineering, program management and urban planning.

“INOCSA’s expertise in segments such as transportation – especially high-speed rail, which is a focus for us around the world – energy, environment and water make it a natural fit with AECOM’s worldwide suite of services,” said AECOM president and chief executive officer John M. Dionisio. “Its presence in Europe also positively grows our footprint on the continent. Conversely, our global platform will create new opportunities for INOCSA staff and enable new service offerings for its clients. We are delighted to welcome INOCSA to our global team.”

“Joining AECOM positions us to expand our geographic reach and seize new growth opportunities as part of a global enterprise,” said INOCSA Chairman Antonio Lorente del Prisco. “We look forward to bringing our expertise to AECOM, and the professional development opportunities for our staff that come with being part of a global industry leader. We are excited about the outstanding possibilities that exist for our clients and our employees as we join AECOM.”

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