A SPATE of illness and the current ‘overtime ban’ on First Transpennine Express drivers has led to eight train cancellations on the Lakes Line over the past week.

Two years ago, the Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen (ASLEF) withdrew the 'rest day working agreement', over a dispute regarding the introduction of a four-day working week for drivers.

A ‘rest day working agreement’ allows the company to approach drivers who are not working to cover services that are unstaffed.

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A First TransPennine Express spokesperson said the impact of the overtime ban had increased on services over the past few weeks due to a high level of short-term sickness, and has led to service cancellations between Windermere and Oxenholme, as well as some services up to Scotland.

Paul Watson, Operations Director at First TransPennine Express, said: “We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused to customers and fully appreciate the frustration felt at service disruptions caused because of short term driver shortages.

“While we do have enough drivers to run our normal timetable, there are occasions where we rely on drivers to work on their rest days, for example, to cover drivers who are restricted from driving duties on medical grounds.

“Unfortunately, the drivers’ union, ASLEF, has now ceased this agreement which means we’re experiencing challenges in covering some services.

“Please be assured we’re doing everything we can to keep disruption to a minimum.”