M

Member

Speaking in the House of Lords on 21 July 2025

Debate

Employment Rights Bill

Contribution

Tracksiders are not involved in the operating of any trains or higher-risk workshop activities, and they all have regular safety briefings. Talyllyn also has a development scheme aimed at 14 to 16 year-olds, in preparation for when they can carry out more difficult tasks. The scheme includes training on preparing a steam locomotive and passenger carriages, being taught how to light up an engine, learning the route, signals and personal track safety. Another good example is the Sygnets youth volunteering group at Swanage railway. Established in 1997, this group has seen generations of young volunteers gain valuable skills and experience. In other words, the existence of the 1920 Act has not in the past—and, I hazard, will not in the future—prevent such schemes being run in the heritage railways sector.

About Hansard

Hansard is the official verbatim record of proceedings in the UK Parliament. Every word spoken in the Commons and Lords is recorded and published — this page is a single contribution from that record.

Partner sites