It is disgraceful for South Central to condemn a member of its own staff for carrying out company instructions (Letters, December 12) rather than take the rap for its own management shortcomings.

Revenue-protection staff such as "Ian" are put there specifically to prevent passengers travelling without the appropriate ticket.

If there was a huge queue at the ticket office, managers could have instructed staff to open the barrier to enable passengers to board the trains they would otherwise miss. Obviously they did not.

Understaffing means long queues and frustration for passengers and more abuse for rail staff.

It is despicable that the company not only fails to recognise the problem it has created but also has jumped at the chance to scapegoat the individuals left to sort out the consequences.

It is obvious South Central demands more loyalty from its staff than it is prepared to show them - and it underlines the need for all staff to belong to the union.

-Paul Burton, RMT Executive, South East England, Chalton Street, London NW1