MIDDLE managers at Network Rail in York are being point-scored as bosses look to where to wield the axe as part of nationwide staff cuts.

The ailing maintenance company has revealed that some grades of managers are being assessed using points criteria.

Sources close to the company have told the Evening Press that the bottom 15 per cent with the lowest scores can expect to be made redundant.

Network Rail has confirmed the company is using a points scoring system, known as the efficiency programme process, to decide which of its staff will leave.

As many as 50 staff in York could be laid off in the management ranking process, as the company cuts up to 700 jobs nationally.

One senior Network Rail manager, who asked not to be named, said: "Everyone understands the business has to be made more cost-effective. It is the way it is being done that's making everyone resentful and anxious.

"The criteria includes people's attitudes, their behaviour, their sickness record and competency and skills."

The source added that a redundancy package would be offered to staff by December 12.

A Network Rail spokesman in York said: "We can confirm that our middle managers are being scored."

John Munday, negotiations officer at the Transport Salaried Staffs' Association (TSSA), said: "This recent development is neither measured nor has regard to long -serving employees who are loyal to the company.

"We are opposed to this process and we have expressed our opposition to Network Rail."

Updated: 10:56 Wednesday, October 15, 2003