Tory member of the Greater London Authority (GLA) Richard Tracey has urged Transport for London (TfL) to tap into a talent pool of 364 recently retired tube drivers to work on London Underground during industrial action.

In a statement, Tracey urged TfL to emulate the London Fire Brigade, which has a “contingency arrangement” where relief staff provide cover during strike action. The retired drivers also could cover signallers and station staff.

“This means we’ll always have a core service even on strike days, and it could be run by retired staff like the fire brigade. It’s an insurance policy for Londoners, and the Mayor needs to make it happen.”

Industrial action is due to take place from 6.30pm today to tomorrow evening and is set to grind London Underground services to a halt.

Recruiter contacted TfL for comment but had not heard back by deadline.

Last month, the government began a consultation on enabling UK business to recruit agency workers as strike breakers during industrial action.

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