Rail repairs stay with contractors

RAILTRACK is set for a renewed clash with rail unions after making clear that it will not get rid of private contractors to maintain the railways. In new contracts to be unveiled next month, Railtrack says it will take 'full responsibility' for any future rail crashes arising from poor track conditions.

Union leaders, who want Railtrack to take back maintenance work 'in-house' for greater control, will use the forthcoming TUC and Labour Party conferences to continue their fight.

John Armitt, Railtrack chief executive, said that under the new system the company will take over the management of maintenance from the contractors, who will continue to do the work.

He warned that this would result in a reduction of profits earned by the contractors. 'Contractors will have to accept if their risk is reduced then so are their margins,' he said. 'We want to decide what gets done and when it gets done and have more confidence it is being done properly.'