THE operator of Weymouth - London Waterloo rail services has vehemently denied claims it is flouting stay-at-home guidance.

Rail union Transport Salaried Staffs' Association (TSSA) has criticised South Western Railway (SWR) for asking office-based staff to come into work to perform duties that it claims could be carried out from home.

Union bosses say the company’s actions are in "clear contradiction" to government guidance for everyone who can work from home to do so.

Staff working in SWR's Customer Contact Centre and Video Contact Centre have, according to TSSA, raised concerns about maintaining social distancing, which they fear will be 'almost impossible' to adhere to.

The union flagged health and safety concerns with SWR but was told by the rail operator that “no laptops can be bought or found anywhere.”

Manuel Cortes, TSSA general secretary, said: “SWR is putting staff’s health at risk by making them come into offices when it’s completely unnecessary.

"The pathetic excuses given by management shows they simply haven’t bothered to properly source and set up technology for remote working.

“Even where it exists, they are still flouting government advice and getting staff to travel into the office. This behaviour is completely unacceptable, and frankly, it’s irresponsible from SWR."

Mr Cortes added, “I don't believe I am having to say this but if tech is such an issue, our union will lend SWR some laptops.

"However, it sadly feels like a very lazy excuse as any quick internet search will show there are supplies to be bought quickly and easily.

"SWR needs to rethink its irresponsible approach and comply with public health advice.”

A SWR spokesperson said staff are processing customer refunds and that the criticism shows "a lack of understanding."

"Before we reopened our contact centre we completed health and safety audits and risk assessments which were signed off by the TSSA’s own local representatives," the spokesman added.

“Many customers are facing financial hardship and the need to process refunds is a very essential activity.

"The systems require people to be in the office, but we have ensured we followed Public Health England guidelines around social distancing, limited the number of colleagues in at any one time, and have even expanded the area available.

“Our priority throughout this crisis has been to keep customers and colleagues safe, while still delivering essential services.”

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