52 Transport for London and Network Rail workers are now known to have died from COVID-19

A combined total of 52 Transport for London (TfL) and Network Rail workers are now known to have died from COVID-19 according to the Secretary of State for Transport, Grant Shapps.

During a Commons debate held on Tuesday 12 May, Shapps confirmed the news that 42 TfL workers had passed away from the virus as well as an additional 10 who worked for Network Rail.

After announcing the figures, Shapps offered his condolences, adding: "Our thoughts are with all their friends and families at this difficult time."

Unions representing transport workers up and down the country have continued to call for better measures to be brought in to protect drivers.

Unite the Union called for drivers to be “fully protected” following the news of five London bus drivers dying of COVID-19 in April.

The union issued a statement demanding the government provide full Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for drivers who carry on working through the coronavirus crisis.

Speaking last month, Sadiq Khan, said: “All drivers on London buses are shielded by a Perspex screen and TfL have ensured measures have been taken to keep staff as safe as possible - with enhanced cleaning, stopping passengers from riding near the drivers and boosting social distancing at station and stops.

“TfL will continue to make enhancements across public transport in London to ensure there are even higher levels of protection.”

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