UK: Bombardier Transportation UK is to restart rolling stock production at its Derby factory and heavy maintenance at its Ilford site on April 14, with component overhaul at Crewe to follow the next day.
The company had announced a temporary pause in operations on March 25 while it sought clarification of the government’s social distancing measures designed to tackle the coronavirus, and because Covid-19 had affected production at many of its suppliers.
The company has worked with union representatives to review working practices at the sites to meet the social distancing requirements. Changes include greater spacing, split shifts, additional safety requirements and washing facilities.
It added that it would adapt to any new social distancing advice, and review and revise working practices as necessary. All staff who can work from home will continue to do so, and maintenance teams will continue to keep trains moving for essential workers.
‘We have said throughout this public health emergency that we must protect our people from Covid-19, follow all government advice in tackling the virus, and ensure sustainable business continuity’, Bombardier Transportation said on April 7. It was ‘confident that these new working practices strike the right balance’, and looked forward to the full resumption of operations ‘at the appropriate time.’
