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Tube stations to lose 50% of workforce

London Underground stations will become “no-go zones,” campaigners warned last night as new figures revealed over 50 per cent staffing cuts at more than a dozen busy stations.

Plans by Mayor Boris Johnson to close every Tube booking office would strip station staff back by 16 per cent across the network.

But information obtained by London Assembly member Val Shawcross revealed that managers plan a skeleton service in at least 13 key stations.

“Combined with the surge in violent attacks, particularly on women, the toxic policies of the London mayor are turning Tube stations into dangerous, no-go zones for many passengers,” said rail union RMT acting general secretary Mick Cash.

Interchange stations Barons Court and Finchley Central would see staff cuts of 58 per cent and 57 per cent, while Northern line terminus Edgware would lose seven staff members — a 58 per cent cut.

More hefty cuts would take place at Hammersmith, Golders Green, Stanmore and Kilburn.

A total of 216 stations would see overall staff numbers cut totalling 588 jobs.

Tory Mr Johnson, who had repeatedly pledged to keep ticket offices open before announcing plans to shut them down last year, has insisted that some clerks will be redeployed on platforms.

“These shocking figures show that Boris Johnson’s all out assault on tube staffing and safety is wrecking services and security across the entire network,” said Mr Cash.

London Assembly Labour group transport spokeswoman Ms Shawcross said: “It beggars belief that, with Tube fares due to rise by 2.5 per cent in January, Boris Johnson has the nerve to cut front-line staffing levels at stations by an average of 16 per cent across London.”

But she stopped short of blaming ticket office closures.

“The issue isn’t necessarily whether staff are based in ticket offices or on the station concourse, but whether staffing levels can provide all customers — especially the disabled and elderly — with a good service,” she said.

London Underground chief operating officer Phil Hufton said: “Under our proposals there will be more staff visible and available to help our passengers and keep them safe and secure.”

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