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A significant change is set to take place in the UK rail industry as the minimum age for train drivers has been lowered from 20 to 18 in an effort to address the ongoing driver shortages. The decision comes as a response to the increasing number of drivers retiring and the challenges companies face in recruiting new talent. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander described this move as a bold step towards enhancing train services and creating more job opportunities.
The announcement has been met with positive feedback, with Union Aslef stating that this change will open up doors for school or college leavers. The Rail Safety and Standards Board also supported this decision, citing research that shows 18-year-olds are capable of safely operating trains. Currently, UK train companies heavily rely on “rest day working” where drivers voluntarily take on extra shifts to cover scheduled services. However, this practice can lead to disruptions when there are not enough volunteers or when drivers call in sick.
According to the Department for Transport (DfT), a significant proportion of service cancellations are due to driver shortages, with an average age of 48 among UK train drivers and 30% expected to reach retirement age by 2029. The industry also lacks diversity, with less than 9% of train drivers being female and under 12% from an ethnic minority background. The consultation to lower the minimum age garnered overwhelming support last year, paving the way for new job opportunities and apprenticeships for 18-year-olds as early as December.
Transport for London has already embraced this change by opening up its train driver apprenticeships to 18-year-olds back in 2007. Mick Whelan, general secretary of Aslef, emphasized the importance of attracting young talent to the industry, highlighting that many individuals do not want to wait until they turn 20 to pursue a career as a train driver. This move not only aims to address the current recruitment challenges but also seeks to increase diversity within the driver’s cab. The UK joins other European countries like France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Switzerland in lowering the minimum age for train drivers
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