News, views and top stories in your inbox. Don't miss our must-read newsletter Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

A train company has been slammed after it sent "insulting" rejection letters to job applicants advising “start by researching the role of driver”.

Abellio ScotRail , which is Scotland's national train operating company, sent the letters to unsuccessful applicants for a train driver job.

The response has been branded “insulting” by unions , reports the Daily Record .

Rejected candidates were also told they should “consider the effort you put into the process and how much you want the role” and not “underestimate the role or its responsibilities”.

The email added: “Your application was not considered to be of the high standard that we require.”

Train drivers' union Aslef said the letter was “disgraceful and insulting”.

Aslef Scottish organiser Kevin Lindsay called for an explanation from Abellio.

He said: "The fact that senior executives in the recruitment team at Abellio ScotRail think this sort of attitude, and behaviour, is acceptable boggles the mind.

"It's exactly this sort of bullying and dismissive attitude which has led to staff morale plummeting."

The RMT’s Mick Cash said: “I’ve never seen a letter so bluntly designed as a wholesale kick in the teeth.”

A ScotRail spokesman said: "With such a large number of applications, we had to get information out to people as quickly as possible regarding the outcome of their application.

"We appreciate that the letter could have been more personalised and constructive.

"That is why today we will be sending another letter to the 200 unsuccessful internal candidates offering one-to-one feedback."

The email in full:

Subject: Application(s) for Trainee Train Driver



Dear Sir/Madam,



Application(s) for Trainee Train Driver



I refer to the above subject, and regret to advise your application(s) has been unsuccessful on this occasion.



Train driving is a very demanding role which requires a certain type of person. It is a role which can be rewarding as well as unforgiving. It also comes with a very good pay package. This makes it very important to look at applications in great detail.



Having reviewed your application(s), I would recommend you read over it and ask yourself the following questions:



- Have I communicated that I understand what it takes to be a train driver, but also that I have the transferable skills?

- Have I demonstrated my enthusiasm, determination and commitment to this role?

- Have I shown that I have put a great deal of thought into this application and given the reader the opportunity to learn about me?

- Does my application demonstrate / reflect the amount of effort I have made to prepare for this role?



For this recruitment campaign, we received over 1,130 internal applications as well as the thousands we receive from external candidates. All internal applications were reviewed by a panel of Driver Managers and compared in terms of their presentation, content, quality and responses to the questions.



The application form is an opportunity for you to demonstrate your desire to besuccessful in becoming a train driver. In this respect, your application was not considered to be of the high standard that we require in terms of either:



- The content of the application form was below the general standard.

- Transferable key skills and abilities were not identified. The form did not clearly demonstrate your understanding of the train driver role or the transferable skills that are required.



The panel felt that the content and/or the transferable skills mentioned in the application form did not fully demonstrate the level of commitment or suitability to this role.



Should you wish to apply in the future, I suggest the following:



- Start by researching the role of driver, gain an understanding of the skills and qualities required and clearly identify how you match these.

- Consider the effort you put into the process and how much you want the role.

- Don't underestimate the role or its responsibilities.

- Where the application form asks for information, ensure that you respond to the question appropriately and directly.



I wish you every success in the future.



Kind Regards,



Recruitment Team

Abellio ScotRail