A new year always carries a sense of renewal. Plans are refreshed, ambitions sharpened, and industries take stock of both progress and unfinished business. In Rail, 2026 begins with cautious optimism. Major projects continue to advance, reform gathers pace under public ownership, and investment in skills and technology remains high on the agenda. Yet this is also a year that reminds us of the weight of responsibility the railway carries.
In January, Spain saw two fatal rail derailments, one involving two high-speed trains which resulted in many casualties. This brought a stark reminder of why safety must remain the industry’s unwavering priority. Rail is built on competence and vigilance and however much the industry evolves, it must continue to honour that duty.
Against this backdrop, one theme dominates – people. The railway’s future will be shaped not just by infrastructure and policy, but by whether it can attract, develop, and retain the talent it needs.
Carrington West’s 2026 Rail Salary Survey provides a timely snapshot of where the industry currently stands. Pay rises remain central to recruitment and retention, but the survey also highlights persistent skills shortages and intense competition for experienced professionals. Salary alone is no longer the deciding factor, and career progression, flexibility, and job security are playing an increasingly influential role in the decisions of job-seekers. In a candidate-led market, employers must work harder and smarter to stand out.
The importance of long-term commitment is reflected elsewhere in this issue. Alstom celebrates two colleagues who have each dedicated more than 50 years to the company – a remarkable testament to rail as a lifelong career. At the same time, HS2 continues to generate opportunities, surpassing its apprenticeship targets and demonstrating how major infrastructure programmes can drive meaningful workforce development.
Yet the recruitment challenge is not simply about filling vacancies; it is about reshaping perceptions. Daisy Chapman-Chamberlain examines what young people truly want from their careers – purpose, financial security, happiness, and the chance to make a tangible difference. Encouragingly, Rail naturally aligns with these priorities. It is central to decarbonisation, community connectivity, and regional growth. The task ahead is to communicate those strengths clearly, using the channels and language that resonate with younger generations.
Supporting this evolving recruitment landscape is RailwayPeople.com, which continues to provide a sector-focused platform connecting employers with a substantial and highly relevant talent pool. In a competitive market, targeted recruitment tools are more valuable than ever.
Elsewhere, optimism surrounds the prospect of closer cooperation as rail returns to public ownership. Many hope structural change will foster clearer accountability and stronger collaboration across the network. On the ground, progress continues: RailStaff attended the unveiling of CrossCountry’s refurbished Voyager trains in Derby, signalling ongoing investment in the passenger experience. Meanwhile, ResponSec marks 15 years supporting rail security – another reminder that safety underpins everything the industry does.
Finally, with preparations underway for the RailStaff Awards 2026, the countdown to the event of the year has begun. We can’t wait to see you there and celebrate the individuals who keep the railway moving.
The year may be young, but its direction is clear. Rail stands at a moment of opportunity, driven by reform, shaped by innovation, and sustained by its people. If the industry can continue to balance ambition with responsibility, 2026 could prove to be a defining chapter.
