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GTR (Govia Thameslink Railway) Reviews
Updated 13 Nov 2023
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Full-time, Part-time
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Found 219 of over 228 reviews
78% Recommend to a Friend
80% Approve of CEO
Found 219 of over 228 reviews
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Recommend to a Friend
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Patrick Verwer
91 Ratings
Top Review Highlights by Sentiment
Excerpts from user reviews, not authored by Glassdoor
Pros
Cons
- "Shift work, lack of appreciation from management, managing bad disruption, abuse from customers." (in 6 reviews)
- 5.021 Aug 2023Executive AssistantCurrent Employee
Pros
Lots of opportunities/flexible - good work life balance
Cons
Sylo working - very busy
- 3.013 Nov 2023Train DriverCurrent Employee, more than 10 yearsBrighton, England
Pros
Time off. 5 day weekend every 3 weeks and 6 weeks holiday a year
Cons
Shifts. Long hours. When things go wrong it’s a very horrible job to have. When you make mistakes the job is very stressful
- 4.011 Nov 2023Train DriverCurrent Employee, more than 10 yearsLondon, England
Pros
Good pay, lots of overtime available
Cons
Shift system could do with an overhaul
GTR (Govia Thameslink Railway) Response6dThank you for your review, we appreciate your feedback and take this on board
- 4.026 Feb 2023Railway Train DriverCurrent Employee, more than 10 yearsLondon, England
Pros
Good pension benefits Salary is on par with other TOCs Discounted rail travel
Cons
Shifts are awful.....there is no pattern other than lates or earlies. This is not a job with a regular shift for a period of days eg 6am - 2pm or 2pm - 10pm etc..... your shift will be different every single day. The only thing which is consistent is your rest days....but often the shifts will run into your rest day so you don't get a full 24hrs off. Start times can be moved +/- 3hrs and you only find out 48hr before your shift start day. Your start and finish time will change every single day and you could be starting work at 3.30am one day 6.12am the next, 4.32am the following day and then 6.30am the next. Sometimes you are literally getting 12hrs between finishing and starting your next shift because this is the legal requirement. For a lone working job that requires you to maintain your concentration for long periods of time the cumulative levels of fatigue that are generated by the inconsistency of the shifts is worrying and ignored.
- 4.017 Oct 2023GPRCurrent Employee, more than 5 yearsWorthing, West Sussex, South East England, England
Pros
good pay shift work good pension
Cons
shift work anti social behavior
- 1.011 Oct 2023Train DriverCurrent Employee, less than 1 year
Pros
None none none none none
Cons
Online test for job is clicking letters in a block. Nothing to do with train driving and then you don't get the job based on that. Waste of time
- 4.025 Aug 2023Train DriverCurrent Employee, more than 5 yearsCambridge, England
Pros
I don't know to be honest.
Cons
There is no cons I guess.
- 4.031 May 2023Train DriverCurrent Employee, more than 5 yearsGillingham, England
Pros
I have had the privilege of working as a train driver for Thameslink for the past few years, and I wanted to share my positive experiences and the advantages of being a part of this renowned railway company. Here are the key pros of working for Thameslink: Professional Growth and Training Opportunities: Thameslink places a strong emphasis on professional development and offers excellent training programs for train drivers. From initial training to ongoing refresher courses, they prioritize equipping their drivers with the skills and knowledge necessary to perform their roles effectively. The company also provides opportunities for career advancement, allowing drivers to progress in their roles and explore new challenges within the railway industry. Job Stability and Competitive Compensation: Thameslink offers job stability, which is highly valued in today's dynamic work environment. As a train driver, you can expect reliable employment with regular working hours and a steady income. The company provides competitive compensation packages, including salary, benefits, and pension schemes, ensuring that drivers are rewarded fairly for their work. Varied and Rewarding Work: Being a train driver for Thameslink offers a diverse and fulfilling work experience. You have the opportunity to operate trains on various routes, serving a wide range of locations and interacting with a diverse group of passengers. Each day brings new challenges and experiences, making the role exciting and keeping you engaged. Commitment to Safety and Well-being: Thameslink prioritizes safety above all else. They have comprehensive safety protocols in place and provide continuous training to ensure that drivers are well-prepared to handle any situation. The company also promotes a positive work environment, fostering a sense of camaraderie and support among colleagues. Benefits of Railway Industry: Working for Thameslink grants you the unique advantage of being a part of the railway industry. You become a vital contributor to the transportation system, playing a role in keeping people connected and facilitating their journeys. The railway sector offers long-term stability, and you have the satisfaction of being involved in a critical infrastructure that benefits society. In conclusion, working as a train driver for Thameslink has been a rewarding experience. The company's commitment to professional growth, job stability, safety, and the intrinsic value of being part of the railway industry make it an appealing choice for those seeking a fulfilling career as a train driver. I highly recommend considering Thameslink if you aspire to be a part of a reputable organization that values its employees and provides opportunities for personal and professional development.
Cons
While working for Thameslink as a train driver comes with numerous advantages, it is important to consider some potential drawbacks as well. Here are a few cons that should be taken into account: Irregular Shifts and Working Hours: As a train driver, you may have to work shifts that include weekends, nights, and holidays. This irregular schedule can disrupt work-life balance and affect personal commitments, making it challenging to maintain a consistent routine or spend time with family and friends. High Responsibility and Stressful Situations: Operating trains comes with a significant level of responsibility. Train drivers must adhere to strict safety regulations, handle unexpected incidents or emergencies, and ensure the well-being of passengers. Dealing with such high-pressure situations can be stressful and demanding, requiring quick thinking and the ability to remain calm under pressure. Potential for Fatigue and Monotony: Driving trains for long hours can lead to fatigue, especially during extended shifts or when working irregular hours. The repetitive nature of the job, traveling along the same routes repeatedly, may also contribute to a sense of monotony and reduced job variety. Exposure to Health and Safety Risks: Train drivers are exposed to certain health and safety risks inherent in the railway industry. These risks can include exposure to noise, vibration, and potential hazards related to the operation of trains. Adhering to safety protocols and maintaining a high level of vigilance is crucial to mitigating these risks. Limited Control over Schedules and Routes: Train drivers generally have limited control over their schedules and routes, as they must follow predetermined timetables and routes set by the company. This lack of flexibility can limit the ability to choose preferred work hours or routes, potentially affecting personal preferences or commuting convenience. It is important to weigh both the pros and cons before making a decision about working as a train driver for Thameslink or any other railway company. Consider your personal circumstances, preferences, and ability to handle the challenges associated with the role to make an informed choice
- 1.019 Jul 2023Service EngineerFormer Employee, more than 5 years
Pros
Fantastic at brushing problems under the carpet
Cons
Toxic Management style supports those who wish to continue the trend Awful treatment of minority groups with no promotion prospects for those with protected characistics 12 week full shift rota - does not support any kind of work life balance Salary - low end within rail even with benefits taken into account
- 5.03 Aug 2023Station ManagerCurrent Employee
Pros
allows you to see if salaries are fair
Cons
gives negative vibes if someone else is getting higher salary for same job
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GTR (Govia Thameslink Railway) Reviews FAQs
GTR (Govia Thameslink Railway) has an overall rating of 3.9 out of 5, based on over 228 reviews left anonymously by employees. 78% of employees would recommend working at GTR (Govia Thameslink Railway) to a friend and 55% have a positive outlook for the business. This rating has decreased by -6% over the last 12 months.
78% of GTR (Govia Thameslink Railway) employees would recommend working there to a friend based on Glassdoor reviews. Employees also rated GTR (Govia Thameslink Railway) 3.2 out of 5 for work life balance, 3.4 for culture and values and 3.7 for career opportunities.
