Ken Usher says GNER's dress code for drivers is "way out of order"

The company GNER wants drivers to ditch their T-shirts and trainers in favour of a new dress code of shirt and tie, dark tailored trousers and black shoes.

But dozens of the self-employed drivers have signed a petition complaining about the new rules for safety reasons.

GNER says it just wants to deliver a more consistent standard of service for its rail passengers.

The dress code is due to be introduced in October, but some drivers have complained that wearing ties puts them at greater risk from rowdy passengers.

First impressions

Taxi driver Ernie Wheldon said: "You can be grabbed round the neck by a tie and that puts you off driving so you could have a crash."

Ken Usher said he thought GNER was "way out of order" for trying to impose the dress restrictions.

"There's no way the majority of drivers are going to dress as GNER stipulates," he said.

But GNER's corporate affairs manager Alan Hyde said the company was quite happy for drivers to wear clip on ties if they preferred.

"It's trying to get a consistent standard of service and creating the right first impression," he said.