TRAIN drivers have launched a fight for broader recruitment on the railways after it was revealed that fewer than one in 10 of their number are female or come from an ethnic minority.

Aslef, the drivers’ trade union, has called for action to create a more inclusive recruitment strategy on the railways after a union report showed a “glaring gap” between train drivers and the broader population.

The results of the research included in the union’s On Track with Diversity paper, which will be launched in Parliament today, showed that only 6.5 per cent of drivers in England, Scotland and Wales were women.

It also showed that 8 per cent of drivers have an ethnic minority background and that only 15 per cent of drivers are under the age of 35.

Aslef general secretary Mick Whelan said: “We believe that a train driver is a train driver, regardless of gender, sexuality, religion or race.

“We’ve been pushing companies to allow more part-time and flexible working because the lack of such agreements has been a barrier in the past to women coming into our industry, as many still take on the primary responsibility for childcare.

“We know the rail industry needs to do more to improve its recruitment policies and we will work closely with the companies to ensure this happens.

“Aslef has been at the forefront of promoting diversity in our industry and we want to ensure that train drivers are more representative of the communities we serve.”

Aslef has made a number of recommendations, including the use of workshops and recruitment events, where people from underrepresented groups can speak about their experiences.

A Department for Transport spokesman said: “We are committed to delivering a more diverse and representative workforce in the transport sector; underrepresentation limits opportunity and also robs the industry of talent.

“We have written to the industry to ensure fair maternity leave and flexible working is in place for those returning from maternity and paternity.

“We have also asked them to see what more can be done to introduce family-friendly policies.”