SCABS brought in to break Avanti West Coast picket lines are being paid £500 a shift, rail union RMT said today.

The company, which is on record as one of Britain’s most inefficient operators, faces further strike action by train managers on Sunday in a dispute over pay and rest day working.

RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: “It is wrong that Avanti is paying replacement managers up to £500 per shift — around double what our members earn — while they fail to deliver the same service.

“Avanti could make better use of its resources by reaching a fair settlement with our members, which would also be far more cost-effective.

“At the core of this issue is a severe staffing shortage, which has created an over-reliance on overtime in the first place.

“Avanti needs to table a revised offer that meets the aspirations of our members. We remain ready to negotiate and reach a fair deal.”

Avanti was invited to comment.