Former Carillion employees working on/and supporting Network Rail projects will have their wages guaranteed until at least mid-April 2018, it has been revealed.

Network Rail said it has come to an agreement with PwC for the firm to continue paying employees' wages for work completed, as well as supporting Network Rail's projects until after Easter. Further arrangements are in place to continue paying staff as normal in January, in addition to any work carried out this month.

In a statement, Network Rail said: "Carillion Construction employees working on and supporting Network Rail projects are encouraged to turn up for work as normal and continue to deliver their rail work and projects, secure in the knowledge that they will be paid by PwC for the work they do.

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"In addition, funding has been secured to ensure that any suppliers to Carillion will be paid by PwC in respect of work relating to Network Rail projects since Monday (15/01/18) and going forward."

Network Rail added it was working closely with PwC to evaluate the cost of work done on Network Rail contracts in the period up to liquidation, with a view to provide clarity to suppliers "as quickly as possible".

Despite welcoming the news, General Secretary of trade union RMT, Mick Cash, said there is no commitment on sub-contractors wages and no commitment as to whether directly employed staff or sub-contractors who worked throughout Christmas and New year will receive those payments.

"The cash has already been paid over to Carillion but no promise to pay the workers has been given and that needs to be sorted out urgently," he said.

"The employment and pension status of Carillion staff has also not been established and RMT will be seeking assurances that pension contributions issues are addressed."

(LM)