THE rail company Northern has dismissed a claim by the RMT union that it is being “hypocritical” in describing its front-line staff as the first line of defence in case of a planned terrorist attack.

The RMT said the message recently delivered to Northern employees came at a time when conductor’s jobs were under threat due to a move to driver-only trains.

The two sides appear no closer to resolving a lengthy dispute over the future role of conductors, which on Monday saw the latest in a series of day-long stoppages taking place by RMT members, only 48 hours after the last one on Friday.

RMT general secretary Mick Cash said: “These strikes are about putting passenger safety before private profit. Those that seek to undermine the safety culture on our railways should be called to account and forced back to the negotiating table.”

Mr Cash referred to the advisory sent by Northern, which said the safety and security of customers and colleagues was the “responsibility of us all” and urged staff to remain vigilant.

He said: “On the one hand our members are told they are the first line of defence against the preparation and delivery of a terrorist attack and then on the other they are told they will no longer be required on half all services in the future.

“Just as if you cut police you increase the risk from terrorism, if you remove frontline rail staff you also jeopardise safety and security.”

A Northern spokesman said: “The safety and security of our customers is paramount.

“Any changes we want to make to services or stations are fully risk assessed, widely consulted upon, and approved in accordance with relevant legislation.

“Our modernisation plans will see staff more visible than ever before on trains and stations, helping and supporting customers.

“This is why we are keen for the RMT to work with us to develop these plans together, not take unnecessary strike action.”

Earlier, Northern’s regional director Liam Sumpter said it was running an effective service using trains and rail replacement buses despite the disruption caused by RMT members walking out.

The impact was most keenly felt by rush hour commuters with services winding down after 5pm and very few at all running after 7pm.