Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what agreement his Department has reached with Govia on the pensions liability risk sharing arrangements announced on 13 June 2019.

The South Eastern Direct Award is for a short period of time. As in all other Franchise Agreements, the Franchisee (as the Designated Employer) is responsible for paying employer pension contributions required under the schedule of contributions applicable during their franchise term. The Franchisee and its employees continue to bear all risks associated with changes in pension contributions.