The UK rail industry has been creating jobs for the best part of 200 years. From the development of the first ever steam engine in the 19th century to the plans for a high-speed network being discussed today, British rail has a fascinating history that few other sectors can match.
Beginnings
The rail industry's beginnings can be traced back to the early 1800s, when a number of steam-powered locomotive engines were developed in the UK. However, many historians consider the sector to have really gotten started in 1825, with the opening of the Stockton and Darlington line on Teesside, which was the world's first steam-powered railway.
Rail would go on to play a crucial role in the Industrial Revolution, providing the fastest and most efficient means of transporting people, goods and resources known to man at that point in time. One of the most prominent figures in the early development of rail was George Stephenson, who worked on the development of both the Stockton and Darlington and Liverpool and Manchester railways.
Nationalisation
Rail's popularity grew throughout the 1800s and into the 20th century, becoming an increasingly important part of the country's day-to-day life. In 1948, the industry was nationalised and brought under the control of the government. By the 1960s questions were being raised about the profitability of the sector and this led to the Beeching Report, which caused a number of secondary rail lines to be closed down across the country - a decision that remains controversial to this day. This period also saw the end of steam power, as electricity and diesel took over as the primary means of running trains.
Privatisation
The rail industry as we know it today started to come into being in the 1990s, as between 1994 and 1997 it was privatised once again by the Conservative government in a bid to increase passenger numbers. Statistics suggest that this goal was achieved, as the number of people using trains is now believed to be at the highest level for some time. Various commercial operators have taken charge of the running of the nation's rail lines since the industry was privatised and the number currently stands at 28.
Rail today
According to figures from the Stagecoach Group, the UK's rail network currently consists of more than 2,500 stations and over 40,000 bridges and tunnels. These help to cater for the 1.3 billion passenger journeys undertaken each year, with around 270 million of these being business trips. In excess of 19,000 people are employed in the sector, filling a diverse variety of roles that range from customer service positions to advanced engineering and technical jobs.
It's clear then that the rail industry still plays a vital role in the day-to-day operations of the UK economy. The sector is not resting on its laurels however, with the High Speed Rail 2 project set to connect London to the Midlands and major northern cities over the next few years. This represents the next step in the progression of the industry and is sure to add another interesting chapter to its already fascinating history.
Indeed, rail can probably be regarded as one of the greatest innovations to come out of the British Isles, as it has transformed public transport and economic activity the world over and its influence shows no sign of waning.
Impressed by the rail industry's past and want to become a part of its future? Unity Recruitment can help. Check out our latest vacancies or get in touch to see how we can find the right job for you.
