Number of TfL staff awarded six-figure salaries dubbed ‘outrageous’

The number of Transport for London staff paid a six-figure salary has risen by 28 per cent in the last year, it has been revealed.

Some 766 TfL and Crossrail employees earned more than £100,000 in 2022/23, compared with 597 in 2021/22.

The highest amount of pay was given to Jim Crawford, Crossrail’s chief programme officer, who earned £499,447. This included £191,088, which was “compensation for loss of employment” when he left the role in January.

The rise in six-figure salaries was criticised by Conservatives at City Hall, who said “huge pay packets” were being awarded while Mayor Sadiq Khan “begs for bailouts” from the Government.

But TfL said the pay awarded to TfL’s commissioner and chief officers was still “significantly below the market level” and that it was “vital to attract and retain the best talent” in an increasingly competitive jobs market. The increase in staff members earning more than six figures was in large part attributed to the fact that several employees saw their pay jump in line with inflation.

Nick Rogers, transport spokesman for City Hall Conservatives, said: “It is outrageous that so many TfL staff are on six-figure salaries, which are being funded in part through Sadiq Khan’s Ulez [ultra low emission zone] tax raid on charities, small businesses and low- income families.

“While the Mayor pleads poverty and begs for bailouts, he is giving out huge pay packets and gold-plated pensions to senior TfL staff. It is simply unacceptable and Londoners deserve so much better than this.”

A spokeswoman for Mr Khan responded: “During a cost-of-living crisis, the Mayor stood by his commitment to deliver a fair pay rise for TfL staff.

In a highly competitive market, TfL should be able to attract and retain the very best talent, including the technical skills and experience to undertake hugely complex projects, which are essential to continuing to deliver a world-class transport network for Londoners and supporting jobs and economic growth in London and the whole country.

“The Ulez is not designed to be a money-making scheme and within a few years, as compliance increases, it will make a net loss — any net proceeds are ringfenced and reinvested into London’s transport network.”

TfL’s spokesman said: “Jim Crawford took over responsibility for Crossrail Ltd after the departure of Mark Wild, and was also heavily involved with ensuring the Elizabeth line successfully launched in May 2022.”

TfL’s interim commissioner, Andy Lord, earned £363,680 with the base salary of £355,000 remaining the same as last year.