More than 5,000 railway employees across London and the South East are being issued with new uniforms as Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) seeks to create a consistent look across its four train operating companies.
The rollout covers staff at Southern, Thameslink, Gatwick Express and Great Northern. The design features a new Four Brand Stripe, alongside branded neckwear, ties, gilet jackets and adaptable base layers intended to improve visibility and comfort for employees working on stations and trains.
Old uniforms redirected to community groups
GTR said all of its retired uniform stock is being either reused or recycled. Clothing suitable for further use has been distributed through charity and community partners, while items unsuitable for reuse will be shredded and recycled.
Suited & Booted in London has received shirts, trousers, waistcoats and belts for men preparing for job interviews and employment. The charity works with organisations including HMP Hollesley Bay, SPEAR, job centres and the probation service.
In Luton, donated trousers and skirts are being distributed through the Level Trust’s school uniform exchange at Luton Point Shopping Centre. Winter jackets are being used to support people experiencing homelessness through Single Homeless Project, with funding provided through GTR’s Your Station, Your Community Fund.
Lisa Stanford, GTR’s Uniform Contracts Manager, said: “As well as giving colleagues a modern and consistent look, it gave us an opportunity to think carefully about what happened to the clothing it replaced.”
She added: “By working with charities and community organisations, we’ve ensured every item can be recycled, reused or repurposed, helping people and reducing waste at the same time.”
Maria Lenn, chief executive of Suited & Booted, said demand for the charity’s support was “huge”, adding that smart, well-fitting clothing could help make a lasting impression on people seeking work.