Lumo - Qualified Driver - Newcastle (17/01/24)

RollingStock19 · 23 Jan 2024

Static65 said:
Does it result in non lodging turns being longer than average to make your overall weekly hours worked average out, or do you have more working days to make up this time?

If you were to pick up a lodging turn on rest day work, do you get paid for 1 day, 2 days or some other agreement?

Day jobs are longer yes, London and back, Double Edinburgh, But you're doing a drive there and back, so that's bound to happen. But they aren't to bad.. it's not like you're chopping and changing trains mid-journey like other TOCs do.

You get paid for 2 days, as you're working two RDs

Yfg132 said:
Good questions, also what happened if you need to use daily leave on a lodge turn job? Do you have to take both the days off?

I believe so, but I swap my lodge with someone who has two day jobs and then use the leave for a single day ... there's always a way around it

I've only done it one or twice though.

tiptoptaff said:
Are lodging turns not counted as two separate duties? Ie two working days. So can't lodge in to a RD as such, your RD would be the day after you've worked back?

If I've understood this correctly, you are right. Of course, you could pick up a lodge (at your choice) where you're last day is spare and you're off lodge day is a RD and you'd get paid the RDW rate for the second day.

Thats up to you though, I don't do much RDW and I wouldn't do it for a lodge.

RailUK Forums

craigybagel · 24 Jan 2024

I'm assuming they don't let you join the Hotels loyalty scheme and claim points for your lodge stays? With the amount of lodging you do that in itself could be a decent bonus!

RollingStock19 · 24 Jan 2024

craigybagel said:
I'm assuming they don't let you join the Hotels loyalty scheme and claim points for your lodge stays? With the amount of lodging you do that in itself could be a decent bonus!

Not true

We get the points, and IHG have a good loyalty scheme so you can use the points for hotel stays and they also have a brochure of stuff you can buy with your points like electricals and stuff. So its a nice little perk too

craigybagel said:
With the amount of lodging you do

haha people must genuinely think we're away 5nts out of 7! its honestly not that bad. There's just as many people who dont want to lodge as those who do, so getting rid of them isnt usually too hard.

craigybagel · 24 Jan 2024

RollingStock19 said:
Not true We get the points, and IHG have a good loyalty scheme so you can use the points for hotel stays and they also have a brochure of stuff you can buy with your points like electricals and stuff. So its a nice little perk too

haha people must genuinely think we're away 5nts out of 7! its honestly not that bad. There's just as many people who dont want to lodge as those who do, so getting rid of them isnt usually too hard.

I was thinking even if it's only 1 night a fortnight on average it would still be a decent perk - glad they let you indulge!

Like I said, I'm not in a position to move my life up to Newcastle, but if I was I'd definitely be a driver this role would appeal to. Hopefully there's some more like me who do have better links to the North East.

357 · 24 Jan 2024

RollingStock19 said:
haha people must genuinely think we're away 5nts out of 7!

I just checked and to be fair the email I got while it was still East Coast Trains says up to 4 nights a week lodging, average 5 shifts a week, and required to undertake those customer ambassador duties while traveling pass.

That was 2021 and I understand things have changed, however I feel that Lumo might not understand how widely the information they distributed at the begining is still believed to be current throughout the industry.

As I said earlier, and was shot down in flames for, if Lumo want the maximum choice for qualified drivers, they should dispell these rumours to encourage more applications, and not rely on their staff posting on RUK to do so!

43066 · 24 Jan 2024

RollingStock19 said:
But doesn't having a guard also have the opportunity to impose a bit more of a risk? like being dispatched against a red?
I'm not arguing which is better, I am genuinely curious as to why it's such a big bone of contention on intercity services yet TOCs who operate around London for example. busy station, higher passenger volumes, and longer trains operate fully DOO not just DCO.

We have a set procedure, the onboard staff do play a role in this, but it does fall on me. I have the use of the cameras to monitor the whole side of that train, if its not safe to depart... I wont! I don't care how long it delays departure.. if its not safe I wont go, and thats how we're trained.

So if a dispatched train was departing and a late runner came along and runs up to the train, how do the platform staff stop the train? The 80x don't have opening windows so it's not like a guard can stick their head out, so their view is very limited meaning as a driver I now have full platform view. Im not flooring it out of the station till my arse end is off that platform and if something isn't safe, I stop!

Trap and drags etc still happen on guarded trains.

It isn’t about which method is safest overall. The key issue is the risk to you as a driver of someone getting trapped in the doors, you not seeing them, and then dragging them off a platform. That could lead to a manslaughter charge. Monitors are by no means perfect, so just because you think it’s safe to depart doesn’t 100% guarantee it. Having guard dispatching (or platform staff) means that the risk is on them.

I do take the point that it’s a tiny number of stops compared to DOO operators in London and the south east, but many drivers who’ve done DOO work join IC TOCs specifically to get away from it, and would never want to go back to it. Someone who already works DOO might be willing to try it, but then relatively few of those live near Newcastle*.

*possibly the Newcastle metro, but there seem to be mixed views on whether they’re regarded as qualified mainline drivers.

tiptoptaff · 24 Jan 2024

craigybagel said:
I was thinking even if it's only 1 night a fortnight on average it would still be a decent perk - glad they let you indulge!

Like I said, I'm not in a position to move my life up to Newcastle, but if I was I'd definitely be a driver this role would appeal to. Hopefully there's some more like me who do have better links to the North East.

The IHG rewards are pretty good - my dads employer uses them for when he has to stay overnight somewhere, and that's only on average a couple of days a month. Over the course of a year he earns enough points for a free night away with my mum. So great perk to have, the points/rewards ratio is fairly decent.

I've thrown my hat in the ring. It's appealing as you say. Sure it'll be different to a "traditional" TOC but nothing here sounds horrific.

Do agree with the sentiments about better advertising though, taking a leaf out of the Hull Trains book regards to job advert details. But all of that info can be gotten hold of if you look in the right places (big thanks to @RollingStock19 for their input and PMs)

RollingStock19 · 24 Jan 2024

43066 said:
t isn’t about which method is safest overall. The key issue is the risk to you as a driver of someone getting trapped in the doors, you not seeing them, and then dragging them off a platform. That could lead to a manslaughter charge. Monitors are by no means perfect, so just because you think it’s safe to depart doesn’t 100% guarantee it. Having guard dispatching (or platform staff) means that the risk is on them.

I do take the point that it’s a tiny number of stops compared to DOO operators in London and the south east, but many drivers who’ve done DOO work join IC TOCs specifically to get away from it, and would never want to go back to it. Someone who already works DOO might be willing to try it, but then relatively few of those live near Newcastle*.

*possibly the Newcastle metro, but there seem to be mixed views on whether they’re regarded as qualified mainline drivers.

I guess this is debate for another thread.
I don't have a problem with it, most of the platforms we use are long straight platforms, for a 5-car train with limited stops.. so for us, it works.

357 said:
As I said earlier, and was shot down in flames for, if Lumo want the maximum choice for qualified drivers, they should dispell these rumours to encourage more applications, and not rely on their staff posting on RUK to do so!

Get where you're coming from, but from what I understand plenty have already applied so the information out there appeals to them, and they are probably some of the ones who have PMd me directly asking to clarify the majority of the rumours. I do agree the salary should be on there but as for dispelling g the rumours, Lumo are probably thinking if you're serious about applying these are the type of things you'd be asking at the interview stage.

notadriver · 24 Jan 2024

RollingStock19 said:
I guess this is debate for another thread.
I don't have a problem with it, most of the platforms we use are long straight platforms, for a 5-car train with limited stops.. so for us, it works.

Get where you're coming from, but from what I understand plenty have already applied so the information out there appeals to them, and they are probably some of the ones who have PMd me directly asking to clarify the majority of the rumours. I do agree the salary should be on there but as for dispelling g the rumours, Lumo are probably thinking if you're serious about applying these are the type of things you'd be asking at the interview stage.

I think thankfully the interview process weeds out / has weeded out those with ‘doubts’.

tiptoptaff · 24 Jan 2024

notadriver said:
I think thankfully the interview process weeds out / has weeded out those with ‘doubts’.

Has the interview process already started?

Anyone who's applied heard anything?

43066 · 27 Jan 2024

RollingStock19 said:
I guess this is debate for another thread.
I don't have a problem with it, most of the platforms we use are long straight platforms, for a 5-car train with limited stops.. so for us, it works.

Yes indeed, I’m not intending to debate the merits of different methods of operation (it’s been done to death) but you can see why many drivers who’ve previously done DOO want to get away from it. I suppose you at least have qualified guards on board to reset passcoms etc., even if they aren’t generally dispatching.

RollingStock19 said:
Get where you're coming from, but from what I understand plenty have already applied so the information out there appeals to them, and they are probably some of the ones who have PMd me directly asking to clarify the majority of the rumours. I do agree the salary should be on there but as for dispelling g the rumours, Lumo are probably thinking if you're serious about applying these are the type of things you'd be asking at the interview stage.

In your experience what is the typical background of Lumo drivers who join from other operators?

misfit · 27 Jan 2024

What's the salary?

RollingStock19 · 27 Jan 2024

43066 said:
In your experience what is the typical background of Lumo drivers who join from other operators?

Freight, other OAO, other franchise TOCs, and local metro. .

misfit said:
What's the salary?

£64.575

Horizon22 · 27 Jan 2024

Again another reminder to remain on topic. We're not going to have another DOO conversation and also if people want to discuss the intricacies of traction I would suggest taking this to a different part of the forum.

tiptoptaff · 5 Feb 2024

Don't suppose anyone's heard anything that's applied?

Nick82 · 5 Feb 2024

Probably still shortlisting, only been a week since closed. Probably too soon to hear anything yet

tiptoptaff · 5 Feb 2024

Nick82 said:
Probably still shortlisting, only been a week since closed. Probably too soon to hear anything yet

That's what I'd normally think but the automated reply said they'd be in touch in 14days..m

Nick82 · 5 Feb 2024

tiptoptaff said:
That's what I'd normally think but the automated reply said they'd be in touch in 14days..m

So hopefully this week as day 14 wouldn't be until Monday next week...I hope lol

tiptoptaff · 5 Feb 2024

Nick82 said:
So hopefully this week as day 14 wouldn't be until Monday next week...I hope lol

Yeah 14days since closing but I submitted a week before that....my 14days would have been last week lol!!

Nick82 · 5 Feb 2024

That's a good point, apologies.

My application is live, no updates as of yet

tiptoptaff · 5 Feb 2024

No problem! It's entirely possible they meant within 14days of it closing.

Ditto, although the FG website doesn't really have an easy to follow progress tracker like some others

Nick82 · 5 Feb 2024

tiptoptaff said:
No problem! It's entirely possible they meant within 14days of it closing.

Ditto, although the FG website doesn't really have an easy to follow progress tracker like some others

I agree, with other TOCs you genuinely see the state of your progress, ie in progress, interview or unsuccessful. I think with First your generally loose the withdraw application link if unsuccessful

tiptoptaff · 5 Feb 2024

Nick82 said:
I agree, with other TOCs you genuinely see the state of your progress, ie in progress, interview or unsuccessful. I think with First your generally loose the withdraw application link if unsuccessful

Yep, that's your only clue!

Or if you've got an invite to interview on your dashboard

tiptoptaff · 12 Feb 2024

Nick82 said:
I agree, with other TOCs you genuinely see the state of your progress, ie in progress, interview or unsuccessful. I think with First your generally loose the withdraw application link if unsuccessful

Don't suppose you heard anything last week mate?

Nick82 · 12 Feb 2024

Nah nothing. Yourself?

Is it 14 says or 14 working g days hahaha

tiptoptaff · 12 Feb 2024

No idea haha. I might email them tomorrow

Nick82 · 12 Feb 2024

tiptoptaff said:
No idea haha. I might email them tomorrow

I'll probably email them later in the week. Give them 14 working days. I'm curious if they have already interviewed and/or already have their candidates in mind.

tiptoptaff · 12 Feb 2024

Nick82 said:
I'll probably email them later in the week. Give them 14 working days. I'm curious if they have already interviewed and/or already have their candidates in mind.

That's what I wondered too. But then again, railway HR is just slow

Nick82 · 18 Feb 2024

Wondering if anyone viewing this thread and has applied for the respective vacancy have heard either way.
Accept 2 weeks is not long in terms of railway recruitment but curious if there has been any developments.

Cheers

tiptoptaff · 18 Feb 2024

Nick82 said:
Wondering if anyone viewing this thread and has applied for the respective vacancy have heard either way.
Accept 2 weeks is not long in terms of railway recruitment but curious if there has been any developments.

Cheers

I was going to post myself and ask if you'd heard! :lol:

still nothing. They're getting a polite email on Monday asking if there's any progress

Lumo - Qualified Driver - Newcastle (17/01/24)

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