SCOTRAIL staff will have to wait a while before getting their hands on their new uniforms.

 

They were told recently by Abellio to snip off their old logos from their existing uniforms.

But rail unions reportedly said their members would refuse to take scissors to their clothes or to turn their hats from back to front.

Mr Hoogesteger said yesterday: "In November 2015 we will start the distribution of new uniforms to all our staff.

"I am the first to admit that asking staff to snip off and cover up the old branding is not ideal.

"However, I was not prepared to order 4,000 new uniforms without full consultation with the staff on the design and suitability.

"Their views, for us, are critical, and we would like to include our staff in these decisions.

"So, can I ask you to bear with us while we continue to work with ScotRail colleagues to create a uniform that is attractive, comfortable and fit for all weather conditions."

When the instruction was first publicised, a spokesman for Abellio explained that the delay in supplying uniforms was because the company was still consulting with staff about the kind of uniform they want to wear.

RMT Scotland organiser Michael Hogg had responded by saying: "The issue of the uniform should have been in place long before the franchise was due to commence.

"We will be instructing our people not to do what has been suggested because it is a piece of nonsense.

"We're talking about a franchise company which has signed up to a 10 year franchise costing the taxpayer millions of pounds and they can't even get the uniform right."

Mr Hoogesteger also disclosed yesterday that frontline staff will be given smart devices "to improve information flow to themselves and to passengers."

He added: "Turning to 2016, we will also launch an initiative worth up to £800 for every ScotRail employee on the achievement of performance and service targets."