Seaford man says he lost job due to train strikes and cancellations

Thomas Carrasquillo, from Seaford, is demanding that politicians take action on train reliability as he believes his livelihood was impacted by disruption.

Thomas, 31, worked part-time in a warehouse last year and commuted via train from Seaford to Moulsecoomb after being on benefits as he was unfit to work.

He said after two months in his new job he missed four shifts due to two train strikes and two cancellations in late October and early November.

Thomas said: “Towards the end of last year I was on disability benefits and wanted to get off them, so I looked for work.

“I got on well with my boss, but because I couldn’t get to work due to train disruption he said he was going to have to let me go.

“I contacted my local MP, Maria Caulfield, and she was supportive about it, but I’d really like some action.

Maria Caulfield, former MP,  supported her constituent regarding his job loss (Image: The Argus)

“It’s a direct train line, there shouldn’t be that many problems.”

Thomas is sharing his story ahead of the general election to highlight the issue and how it impacts people.

He said: “The working people are getting screwed by both sides.

“I’m frustrated at the Conservative's distaste for people on disability benefits.

“They want us to 'pull ourselves up by our bootstraps', but when you do that, the work available isn't stable and the transport won't even get you there.

“How can you pull yourself up?”

Thomas took his complaint to Southern Rail, the Rail Ombudsman and independent watchdog Transport Focus, as well as his local MP, but is frustrated that it has been taken no further.

Thomas sought compensation from Southern Rail for his job loss (Image: Newsquest)

Customer services director, Jenny Saunders, said: “We’re sorry our customer was affected in this way last year.

“The train service between Seaford and Moulsecoomb is generally very good, with fewer than half of one per cent of trains cancelled last month.

“However, that figure was around six times worse last October and November due to some very bad weather.

“Three days were particularly poor with landslips near Lewes and Polegate, flooding at Falmer and two major signal failures leading to multiple cancellations.

“There was also a planned closure of the route on one weekend to allow Network Rail to carry out essential engineering work to maintain reliability.

“During this period, we arranged half hourly bus services. There are also local buses that run between Seaford and Moulsecoomb with a connection at Brighton every 15 minutes.”

“All money we receive from ticket sales is passed on to the government to help run and invest in better services for passengers.”

In October and November, trains were subject to national strike action by the RMT an ASLEF.

The dispute with the RMT was resolved in November while negotiations are ongoing with ASLEF to reach a solution.

Both unions were in dispute with the government over pay and conditions.

Maria Caulfield has been approached for comment.