London Underground: TfL set to axe hundreds of jobs amid financial crisis

Hundreds of Tube job roles are set to be axed across the network as Transport for London (TfL) bids to save cash.

Bosses have blamed the "devastating impact" of the coronavirus pandemic on TfL's finances.

TfL leaders briefed union officials on Tuesday, but no date has been set for the start of the staffing cull.

The Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) said it had immediately begun balloting over 10,000 members for strike action.

Between 500 and 600 jobs are set to be axed under the plan which involves TfL not filling current vacancies or replacing staff when they leave.

London Underground's director of customer operations, Nick Dent, said the pandemic had made TfL think about "more efficient" ways to run services.

He said: "We remain completely committed to retaining our customer service offer, with stations staffed at all times while trains are operating.

"Changes will be closely monitored to ensure that the highest levels of safety and customer service continue to be met.

"The discussions are at an early stage, and we will continue to work with our employees and trade union colleagues as proposals are developed."

The RMT said it had begun balloting its members due to TfL "refusing to give assurances on jobs, pensions and working conditions".

General Secretary Mick Lynch said: "Today we have seen the opening salvo in what will become an all out assault on safety critical staff posts with 600 jobs on the block, mainly amongst our station members.

"Politicians need to wake up to the fact that transport staff will not pay the price for this cynically engineered crisis and we will coordinate a campaign of resistance with colleagues from other unions impacted by this threat. "

In a separate dispute the RMT has opened fresh talks aimed at resolving a row over London's Night Tube which has led to strikes by drivers.

It comes as TfL warned it needs a fourth government bailout in order to keep funding Tube and bus services across the capital.

TfL's current government bailout runs out on 11 December and the Mayor of London has said TfL needs at least £500m to run services.

It has been forced to draw up radical cost-savings plans amid fears of a massive shortfall in cash to maintain the capital's public transport network.

Passenger numbers have returned to 70% of pre-pandemic levels across all TfL services but to only 63% on the Tube.

By BBC London's transport correspondent Tom Edwards

Transport for London is under huge pressure financially with only 63% of passengers returning to the Tube. It relies on those fares.

Now, it also has a massive industrial relations headache with the threat of all-out strikes looming.

The ongoing dispute over the Night Tube working and the big one - pension reform - mean the unions are furious.

This is going to be a very bumpy 2022 for TfL and London's commuters.