THE biggest rail workers' union has launched a fresh attack on the Transport Secretary after revealing that staff have been given guidelines on how to deal with angry passengers caught up in the current wave of disruption to services.

A briefing sent by Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) on crime and security reveals the dangers to employees from the rail chaos, said the union.

The document warns that during the current disruption "the likelihood of encountering unhappy customers is higher than normal".

"If you come across customers who want to vent their frustration, always keep a safe distance, use positive body language in the form of open palms and understanding facial expressions," it advises.

"If you feel intimidated or feel the situation is escalating move to a place of safety.

"If you are abused, threatened or physically assaulted, please report the matter to your manager or British Transport Police.

"For the next few weeks, rail enforcement officers are being deployed. In addition to this, we have procured additional security personnel."

The briefing goes on to say: "I do recognise the current situation is far from ideal and the Crime and Security Team will do all we can to support our colleagues on trains and stations."

RMT general secretary Mick Cash, speaking from the union's annual conference in Edinburgh, said: "This notice issued to GTR staff shows the reality of Chris Grayling's railway.

"That such a notice has had to be issued at all demonstrates the daily danger that staff are being put in as a result of Grayling's incompetence. If putting railway staff at risk in this way is not a reason to resign then what is?"