Train operator Network Rail has apologised for the bah humbug moment it didn’t acknowledge it was Christmas in a festive message to staff.
Wishing employees an American-style “happy holidays” the railway giant made no reference to the religious day marked by millions across the UK next week.
GB News reports the first message was followed-up with another communication to all staff in the Southern region that said “we’re sorry we didn’t get our messaging right”.
The broadcaster reports the email continued: “On Monday we sent a message to everyone across Southern region to wish you happy holidays.
“Since then, we’ve had some people getting in touch asking why we chose this wording, instead of the traditional Merry Christmas message which we would usually say.”
GB News reported the message added that the company “reflected on feedback” and that they were “listening, learning and improving”. A later email did wish all staff Merry Christmas.
In a statement, Network Rail said: “A draft note from one of our regional teams was mistakenly issued to small number of staff this morning and was quickly withdrawn and reissued wishing everyone a ‘Merry Christmas’.
“With Christmas trees, carol singers and even a Santa’s grotto at almost all of the stations we look after, the country’s biggest and busiest like Waterloo and Victoria and Birmingham New Street, you can’t get much more ‘Christmassy’ than Network Rail.”
People hoping to embark on festive getaways by train may face disruption due to Network Rail carrying out engineering work.
London Paddington will be closed between Christmas Eve and December 27, meaning no mainline trains will serve Heathrow Airport during that period.
London King’s Cross will also be closed on Christmas Eve. Outside of the capital, an engineering project near Southampton will cause some disruption to services, as will work to build the new Cambridge South station.
No trains will operate on Christmas Day, with a very limited service running on Boxing Day. Network Rail said 96 percent of the rail network will remain open as normal but it is carrying out “some significant projects”.
