Driver exodus from certain TOCs

[bionic]

It seems recently that far higher numbers of qualified drivers are leaving Southeastern than was previously the case. At some depots people are literally leaving in droves. Charing Cross, for example, has lost over 30% of its establishment in the past six months to a year. People are regularly leaving all the metro depots for other TOCs though.

A significant number of them are going to London Overground, presumably for the money, because the work can't be any better. Rumour has it that London Overground have been approaching SE drivers in an attempt to lure them across. It seems that London Overground are also struggling to hang on to their drivers, which would explain why they are allegedly approaching SE staff.

What I wonder is, what makes these TOCs so undesirable to work for, and is the grass really that much greener on the other side? Why are so many more people moving now than in the past? One thing is for sure... you don't see many qualified drivers going the the other way!

I'd be interested to hear people's thoughts on this.

 

[Twotwo]

I've heard a lot of qualified drivers from overground and c2c moved to MTR....

 

[jamesst]

It seems recently that far higher numbers of qualified drivers are leaving Southeastern than was previously the case. At some depots people are literally leaving in droves. Charing Cross, for example, has lost over 30% of its establishment in the past six months to a year. People are regularly leaving all the metro depots for other TOCs though.

A significant number of them are going to London Overground, presumably for the money, because the work can't be any better. Rumour has it that London Overground have been approaching SE drivers in an attempt to lure them across. It seems that London Overground are also struggling to hang on to their drivers, which would explain why they are allegedly approaching SE staff.

What I wonder is, what makes these TOCs so undesirable to work for, and is the grass really that much greener on the other side? Why are so many more people moving now than in the past? One thing is for sure... you don't see many qualified drivers going the the other way!

I'd be interested to hear people's thoughts on this.

Job satisfaction, pay, management issues, poor job content, workplace atmosphere, perceived image of other TOCs, theres many issues that can cause drivers to move...

 

[Aivilo]

It is mostly money orientated

 

[jimfrst]

Not always about the money. c2c lost a few drivers but they left because they mainly lived closer to the MTR depots and their t&c’s were better.

 

[chillipalmer50]

I've heard a lot of qualified drivers from overground and c2c moved to MTR....

Wow I have heard this as well

 

[Horizon22]

It seems recently that far higher numbers of qualified drivers are leaving Southeastern than was previously the case. At some depots people are literally leaving in droves. Charing Cross, for example, has lost over 30% of its establishment in the past six months to a year. People are regularly leaving all the metro depots for other TOCs though.

A significant number of them are going to London Overground, presumably for the money, because the work can't be any better. Rumour has it that London Overground have been approaching SE drivers in an attempt to lure them across. It seems that London Overground are also struggling to hang on to their drivers, which would explain why they are allegedly approaching SE staff.

What I wonder is, what makes these TOCs so undesirable to work for, and is the grass really that much greener on the other side? Why are so many more people moving now than in the past? One thing is for sure... you don't see many qualified drivers going the the other way!

I'd be interested to hear people's thoughts on this.

I know SE drivers from some London depots - it is almost entirely based on money. A number are happy with the environment but with the continued uncertainty with the franchise, lack of a pay award and the sheer number of driver depots within a commutable distance (SWR, GTR, LO, Crossrail), its a no-brainer for many.

A great deal of station staff have recently got jobs to become SE drivers - as per the usual chain.

 

[387star]

Southeastern have a horrible uniform so maybe it's that

Central London depots can't be easy to work at unless there's a taxi agreement /higher earning potential/better work

Driving DOO with networkers must be a pain. Internal monitors are a lot easier. On Thameslink you're being paid a lot more with Sundays committed as opposed to in the week. You don't even need to worry about attaching and detaching .

 

[387star]

Not always about the money. c2c lost a few drivers but they left because they mainly lived closer to the MTR depots and their t&c’s were better.

Strange how C2C never take on mainline trainees. I know they train up depot drivers and it's a small company but most must be happy there?

 

[Starmill]

Southeastern have a horrible uniform so maybe it's that

Seriously?

 

[jimfrst]

Strange how C2C never take on mainline trainees. I know they train up depot drivers and it's a small company but most must be happy there?

They have recently taken on a few qualified drivers from other companies. But as u say all new drivers come from internal applicants at the moment. Not sure if this will change in the future or not.

 

[Southern Dvr]

GTR SN is also losing a lot of drivers.
There is talk of fitting revolving doors at many depots!

 

[387star]

GTR SN is also losing a lot of drivers.
There is talk of fitting revolving doors at many depots!

Few went to Thameslink with no interview just a lucky dip but no option for TL drivers to go the other way

They would rather pay out for one hour or so taxi journeys than allow those who live near southern coastal depots the chance to work closer to home

 

[Southern Dvr]

Few went to Thameslink with no interview just a lucky dip but no option for TL drivers to go the other way

that’s because if they wanted to do they’d fail the D&A! Nobody wants to go the other way that are in their right mind and sober!

 

[387star]

that’s because if they wanted to do they’d fail the D&A! Nobody wants to go the other way that are in their right mind and sober!

I mean those who live near Barnham and commute to three bridges Brighton etc

True most are happy though

 

[Southern Dvr]

I mean those who live near Barnham and commute to three bridges Brighton etc

True most are happy though

eveything comes with a price. Less of a commute comes at the price of much worse T&Cs. Amongst other sacrifices.

 

[bionic]

I heard Southern metro is as bad as SE. I mean, if you have a clean safety record and live near other TOCs depots why wouldnt you go? That's the problem though, due to the intensive nature of the work and the way drivers are managed, a lot of people are trapped at these abysmal depots by their poor safety records.

 

[Southern Dvr]

Southern metro from my experience does have a high turnover.
As for safety records I cannot comment here, but there were in my tenure managers who were keen to tarnish licenses quicker than others.

Of those who stay most are stuck due to where they live in relation to other TOCs or the comparatively high salary.

 

[whoosh]

So many route risks on some inner London suburban lines. Not surprised people have incidents with repetitive intensive work - back and forth with six minute turnarounds at each end.
I'd be seeking to leave that sort of life for the sake of my license, sanity, and general well being. And if I did have to do that sort of work, somewhere with more money and more annual leave might be more enticing!