Train driver rates of pay

We were recently sent the item posted below, that attempts to rank the UK train operating companies (TOCs) in order of driver pay. Driving trains isn't particularly easy - and absolutely nothing like driving a bus or coach. With this difference comes the requirement for additional discipline, concentration and the classification as safety critical. Accordingly, the increase level of responsibility is reflected in the rate of pay.

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From the table, you'll note that the longer distance TOCs pay their drivers more, with Eurostar at the top - who additionally require their drivers to speak three languages fluently. Disparity between the rates paid by Arriva's two TOCs has been the cause of unofficial strike action, with Arriva Trains Wales drivers angered that their CrossCountry counterparts are paid £11k more a year. There are a number of pay rates for First Great Western and National Express East Anglia, reflecting the current operators being formed following restructuring of former franchises; so too does East Midlands Trains have two rates of pay - one for ex Central Trains employees and another for those drivers acquired with elements of London Midland's franchise.

Virtually all, save GoVia's Southern Trains (shown as Southwest in the table) and open-access Heathrow Express, are employed on a 35-hour week. WSMR is not included in the table, though remaining open-access operator Hull Trains pays its drivers a decent wage. The longer the route, the more route knowledge is required.

We were both fascinated by the table. We've not seen one of this type before. A couple of years ago we uploaded the rates of pay made to Stagecoach UK Bus employees around the country, but nothing regarding the railway industry.