Which Tfl staff have been furloughed and when were they furloughed

---

TfL Ref: FOI-0178-2021

Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 10^th May 2020 asking for information about the furloughing of TfL staff.

Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act and our information access policy. 

Specifically you asked:

“Which TfL staff have been furloughed and when were they furloughed?”.

I can confirm that we hold the information you require. However, in line with section 40(2) of the Freedom of Information Act the answer to the question “which staff have been furloughed” is exempt from disclosure. Under section 40(2), information is exempt if a third party can be identified from that information and where such identification is deemed unfair. While it is not entirely clear what is meant by “what staff”, the most obvious interpretation is that you are requesting the names of individual staff or, at least, their positions. Either way, this would clearly allow those staff members to be identified. The question therefore comes down to one of fairness. While it is possible that some staff may be content for such information to be made public, it is also likely that many staff will not. With around 7000 staff furloughed it is not possible for us to seek a view from them all. Therefore, we consider that the exemption must apply to all in order to protect the identity of those staff who would be unwilling to have this information made public.

Notwithstanding the above, note that some information on the furloughing of our staff has already been made public via the following Press Release:

https://tfl.gov.uk/info-for/media/press-releases/2020/april/transport-for-london-to-place-7-000-staff-on-furlough-to-help-safeguard-vital-transport-services

The majority of those staff furloughed started on the scheme from the 27^th April, while some went on furlough after this date and others have yet to commence based upon existing work requirements.

On a more general matter, please note that the Government has announced a series of measures to tackle the coronavirus. It is essential for London that we continue to provide a safe transport network for essential journeys.

In current circumstances, we are not able to answer FOI requests readily and we ask that you please do not make a request to us at present.

Answering FOI requests will require the use of limited resources and the attention of staff who could be supporting other essential activity. In any event, please note that our response time will be affected by the current situation.

Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal as well as information on copyright and what to do if you would like to re-use any of the information we have disclosed.

Yours sincerely,

David Wells

FOI Case Officer

FOI Case Management Team

General Counsel

Transport for London

Back to top

---