FURY has erupted among transport unions after the boss of a Hampshire rail franchise refused to say whether they would retain two people aboard their trains.

Andy Mellors, managing director of South Western Trains refused to give guarantees on staffing as it took over South West Trains services last Sunday.

The new operators have insisted there will be a second member of staff on trains but refused to say who will manage the staffing but the Rail, Maritime and Transport Union (RMT) has fears.

Mick Cash, RMT general secretary, said: “There is an agreement in place that there will be no extension of driver-only operation on South West Trains and that agreement transfers with the undertaking to First and MTR.

“All that RMT is seeking is a clear assurance that there will be no interference with the current agreement and that it will be honoured by the new franchise holder.

“Unfortunately in talks with First/MTR the company refused to give a guarantee that there will be a second person on their trains despite what they have been telling the press.”

In response, Mr Mellors, South Western Railway’s MD said: “We are looking to create a secure environment and meaningful career progression for our employees and we have significant plans to invest in learning and development, which we are looking forward to discussing with our employees.

“We are not committed to any one method of train operation for this new fleet, to be introduced by December 2020, and we will fully involve our employees and trade unions, in the normal way, in discussions on the initial designs of the new trains and ideas on how they best operate.”