NAO to scrutinise Thameslink deal
The National Audit Office (NAO) is set to investigate the government's award of its Thameslink contract to German manufacturer Siemens.
The snub towards Derby-based Bombardier has cost the company almost 1,400 jobs, the company claims.
Last month, the government controversially announced it would hand its £1.4bn Thameslink to Siemens rather than Bombardier. As a result, the Derby manufacturer said it would have to "review its UK operations", axing up to 1,400 jobs in the process.
It has now been revealed that the NAO will review the government's claim that the German manufacturer's proposals provided "the best value for taxpayers' money".
Bob Crow, general secretary of trade union RMT, said: "We understand that the NAO will report by October, well before the final sign-off on this contract and giving the government ample time to reverse its decision."
"The fight to save Bombardier in Derby and UK train building is far from over."
