Thousands of railway staff across London and the South East are sporting a colourful new look – with their old uniforms going to help jobseekers, schoolchildren and homeless people.
More than 5,000 employees across Southern, Thameslink, Gatwick Express and Great Northern have been issued with practical new uniforms designed to keep them smart, comfortable and easy to recognise by customers on stations and trains.
Central to the design is a new Four Brand Stripe, unifying staff across the four train companies and creating a brighter, more consistent look, while ensuring they remain instantly recognisable to customers.
Branded neckwear, ties and gilet jackets complement versatile new base layers.
But while staff are stepping out in their new look, GTR’s old uniforms are starting a new chapter. Instead of being thrown away, 100 per cent of the retired clothing has been recycled or reused in partnership with a range of charities and community organisations.
From helping disadvantaged men dress for job interviews, providing school uniform for families in Luton, and supporting homeless people in London the uniforms are being used to make a difference.
Lisa Stanford, GTR's Uniform Contracts Manager, said: “I'm delighted to see our new uniform rolled out across Southern, Thameslink, Gatwick Express and Great Northern.
“As well as giving colleagues a modern and consistent look, it gave us an opportunity to think carefully about what happened to the clothing it replaced.
“It's fantastic to know that while our staff are enjoying their new uniforms, the old ones are beginning a new chapter helping communities across our network.
“By working with charities and community organisations, we've ensured every item can be recycled, reused or repurposed, helping people and reducing waste at the same time.”
Uniform unsuitable for reuse will be shredded and recycled, while unworn items have been given a second life through GTR's charity partners:
- Suited & Booted , London
- Level Trust, Luton
- Single Homeless Project, London
At Suited & Booted in London, unworn shirts, trousers, waistcoats and belts are helping disadvantaged men prepare for interviews and employment – with some items already worn by men who have successfully secured jobs.
The charity works with HMP Hollesley Bay in Suffolk, youth employment charity SPEAR, job centres and the probation service among other organisations supporting people into stable employment.
Suited & Booted Chief Executive Maria Lenn (pictured below) said: “Demand for our support is huge at the moment and we’re so grateful for GTR’s generosity in helping our clients find work.
"The men we support come from all sorts of backgrounds, but they have one thing in common: they want to find work and change their lives. Clothing donations allow us to do that which is wonderful.
“A smart, well-fitting outfit leaves a lasting impression and the practical clothes donated by GTR will go a long way for the men we work with.”
In Luton, donated trousers and skirts have been made available to families through the Level Trust’s school uniform exchange at Luton Point Shopping Centre.
Jennie White, Chief Executive Officer at the Level Trust, said: “We're so grateful to GTR for this generous donation. At a time when the cost of living is putting real pressure on family budgets, school uniform is one of those essential expenses that can tip a household into having to decide between purchasing uniform or paying for food or heating.
“Donations like this make a genuine difference, helping hundreds of children across Luton start the school year feeling confident, comfortable and ready to learn. It's also wonderful to see these uniforms given a second life rather than going to waste, and we're proud to be working with a local partner that shares our commitment to supporting some of the most disadvantaged families in our community.”
Meanwhile, winter jackets are supporting people experiencing homelessness through charity Single Homeless Project, which was funded as part of GTR’s Your Station, Your Community Fund.
