TRAIN operator First Great Western insists there are no plans to cut staff when the new Super Express Train is introduced in 2017, despite union claims.

The new trains will come into service across the South West as part of the Government’s Intercity Express Programme and replace the 40-year-old HSTs currently used.

Rail union RMT claims to have been informed by the train operator that they will axe guards and some catering services when the new trains are introduced as part of the upgrade.

The group said, in a letter received from FGW, the company will have trains solely operated by the driver with reduced catering staff.

Now the union is preparing a ballot to see whether their members want to go out on strike over the issue, despite FGW denying that there are any plans to cut staff numbers.

“RMT has been campaigning for months to fight plans that could lead to the axing of buffet cars, on-board staff and maintenance workers on First Great Western when the new trains arrive,” said Mick Cash, the union’s general secretary.

“RMT is throwing it’s full resources and industrial and political clout behind the fight to stop this attack on jobs, services and safety arising from the introduction of the inter-city fleet. The union remains available for talks.”

Mr Cash said they have received support from 50 MPs backing them. First Great Western has asked to meet RMT to discuss their plans for the new services.

Ben Rule, the firm’s operations director, said: “We are not removing train managers or customer hosts from these trains, and we will be serving hot and cold food and drinks on more trains than we do today.

“We are being very clear from the very start. We need every train manager and customer host we have got, plus at least 100 more over the course of the franchise, for our plans to deliver the very best customer service on our long distance services.

“There will be absolutely no compulsory redundancies for those currently working on board these trains and current pay and conditions.

“To help make sure those who currently work on our trains stay with us, we’ve also promised no changes to pay or conditions of employment, with retraining and redeployment available for those who do no want to make the switch to the newer trains.”