Workers on the Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) in London and the South East of England are wearing a new uniform, and their old uniforms are being donated to help jobseekers, schoolchildren and homeless people.

Train operators Southern, Thameslink, Gatwick Express and Great Northern have issued the new uniforms to more than five thousand employees.

The operators believe that the uniforms are practical, smart, comfortable and easy for passengers to recognise when they need assistance.

A feature of the design is a new ‘Four Brand Stripe’, which represents the unification of staff across the four different train companies.

Originally four separate franchises, the companies were brought together in the GTR franchise in 2014 and are now entering public ownership under Great British Railways (GBR).

Earlier this month, GTR publicised the progress it has made since its return to public ownership.

The new uniform also includes branded neckwear, ties and gilet jackets, which complement versatile base layers. The companies believe that the uniform gives a brighter and more consistent appearance.

The old uniforms are being recycled or reused by a range of charities and community organisations, including helping disadvantaged men dress for job interviews, providing school uniform for families in Luton, and supporting homeless people in London. GTR’s charity partners in this are Suited and Booted in London, the Level Trust in Luton and the Single Homeless Project in London.

Uniform items that can not be reused will be shredded and recycled.

I’m delighted to see our new uniform rolled out across Southern, Thameslink, Gatwick Express and Great Northern.

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.

It’s fantastic to know that while our staff are enjoying their new uniforms, the old ones are beginning a new chapter helping communities across our network.

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.

Lisa Stanford, GTR’s Uniform Contracts Manager