UP TO 80 middle management jobs at GNER could be lost in a reorganisation of the company's structure.

The York-based train operator has confirmed that it is seeking voluntary redundancies in its "back-office manager" workforce.

Back-office managers include GNER's retail workforce, its telesales operators and travel centre workers.

Rail insiders claim more than a quarter of these managers, or as many as 80 out of a 350-strong contingent, could be affected by the decision.

GNER corporate affairs manager Alan Hyde said there would be a trimming of back office managers to "ensure that the company is fit for the future".

He said no firm decision had been taken on the number of people affected, and the process would be undertaken sensitively and through consultation.

Any job losses would not just be focused in York but would be across the network, Mr Hyde added.