Reassurance for Harrogate residents as Transport Secretary confirms job safety and valid tickets on Northern services

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has confirmed that jobs will be safe and tickets will still be valid following the news that Northern is set to be taken under Government control.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Train operator Northern stripped of Harrogate line franchise as Government takes control of operator's routes

In his written statement to Parliament, which confirms that Northern will lose its franchise, Mr Shapps said: "The action we're taking today is in no way a reflection on Northern's dedicated and hard-working staff. Staff have had an incredibly tough job to do in challenging circumstances.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"I want to reassure them that their jobs are safe and they will be transferred to the public-sector operator on their existing terms and conditions. I recognise that many of the staff facilities are not up to scratch and have asked the public-sector operator to look closely at making improvements.

"I would also like to be clear that the only differences passengers should notice is services gradually starting to get better. All tickets, including season tickets, will still be still valid."