Eco-friendly uniforms for Virgin Trains staff

12 September 2008

All 3,000 Virgin Trains customer facing staff will be sporting a new look from Sunday 14 September following the delivery of a full and flexible uniform range.

The launch follows a two year series of workshops and wearer trials conducted jointly with our supplier Wensum to ensure full involvement by those will wear the new uniform.

The contract with Wensum reflects Virgin Trains’ corporate responsibility and sustainability ethos. As many garments as possible are machine washable, the ability to recycle both garments and packaging can be recycled, and a social auditing plan that demonstrates that the manufacturer treats its workforce within full Human Rights conditions is in place.

Although of course Virgin red continues to feature widely, dark blue jackets and silver grey shirts and blouses will be worn by train managers, station team leaders, and catering managers. This will help customers when they need assistance or wish to make an enquiry.

A degree of flexibility is encouraged with items such as waistcoats, cufflinks, tie clips and hair bands all supplied as optional items.

The current Virgin Trains uniform had been in place since 2002 and was in need of an update and modernisation combined with the fact that the existing contract was up for renewal. The new look will now last through until at least 2012 when the West Coast franchise will be up for renewal.

Following a detailed tender process we re-appointed our previous suppliers Wensum as they offered the best overall value together with proven success in handling a new uniform launch for Virgin Trains.

Staff have been asked to take their old uniforms back to depots where they will be sorted and sent back to the supplier for recycling.