Driver internal depot transfers

[387star]

If you are a Soithern driver you cannot down internal move to Thameslink/Great Northern and vice versa despite it being the same company and some depots being in overlapping locations. The bizarre thing is a driver may be entitled to a taxi out of hours to a thameslink depot an hour or so away but if they worked at a southern depot they wouldn't even if it was a lot nearer to their home Address

Any other anomalies like this?
At southeastern you can't do internal moves to the high speed side But need to apply?

Some companies require you to work a number of years before moves?

 

[Horizon22]

If you are a Soithern driver you cannot down internal move to Thameslink/Great Northern and vice versa despite it being the same company and some depots being in overlapping locations. The bizarre thing is a driver may be entitled to a taxi out of hours to a thameslink depot an hour or so away but if they worked at a southern depot they wouldn't even if it was a lot nearer to their home Address

Any other anomalies like this?
At southeastern you can't do internal moves to the high speed side But need to apply?

Some companies require you to work a number of years before moves?

Correct for SE but that's understandable as you're driving a completely different stock of train with different signalling and operating procedures on HS1. My understanding is they tend to take the best performing mainline drivers after application.

 

[OxtedSignaller]

They did offer Southern drivers the opportunity to move over to Thameslink when they ramped the service up. Horsham Depot was divided up between Southern and Thameslink and for the May 2018 timetable change they allowed any Southern drivers to move over if they wished. Whilst there was a few volunteers, there was not as many as they hoped if I remember correctly.

End of the day they both have different T&Cs and a different structure (run as separate entities, even when it comes down to pensions for instance) and come 2021 they are due to be broken up anyway which is why as a company GTR has pretty much split in two internally now even more so than before.

 

[ComUtoR]

Correct for SE but that's understandable as you're driving a completely different stock of train with different signalling and operating procedures on HS1.

Really ? I know a fair few that transferred internally.

My understanding is they tend to take the best performing mainline drivers after application.

Not anymore. I think there was an advert a few months back for externals but that was the first I've ever seen. The bar for the internals was lowered...

 

[Horizon22]

Really ? I know a fair few that transferred internally.

Did they actually transfer or still have to fill in the application form like an internal candidate?

 

[ComUtoR]

Straight transfer. A Driver at my depot wanted a transfer down to the coast and he was told that he could get in quicker if he went to high speed. 2 weeks later he was gone. The internal transfer procedure doesn't distinguish between mainline, metro or highspeed. Also, when you transfer you tend to get new routes and traction so that has never been an issue.

 

[Horizon22]

Straight transfer. A Driver at my depot wanted a transfer down to the coast and he was told that he could get in quicker if he went to high speed. 2 weeks later he was gone. The internal transfer procedure doesn't distinguish between mainline, metro or highspeed. Also, when you transfer you tend to get new routes and traction so that has never been an issue.

Indeed, just wasn't sure the process was the same for HS, or at least I don't think it used to be. Although with SEs revolving door of drivers right now, its hardly a surprise.

 

[ComUtoR]

Since day 1 its always been internals that have gone over to Highspeed. I heard a rumor that they might start taking Trainees but I doubt it. It isn't seen as prestigious and they had to offer a sweetener for Drivers to move over. Not many internals fancy it but they don't tend to lose Drivers either. TBH, the work isn't that great.