A rail union has stepped up warnings of industrial action over jobs and passenger safety.

The Transport Salaried Staffs Association (TSSA) urged the Scottish Government to intervene to ensure there are no cuts at ScotRail.

General secretary Manuel Cortes called on the ScotRail Alliance, a formal agreement between Abellio ScotRail and Network Rail, to withdraw any plans to cut jobs by the end of the week or face the threat of industrial action.

He said: "We have been reminded this weekend of just how insecure the world is becoming and where we can avoid tragedy and loss of his life we should.

"Britain has one of the safest rail networks in the world because we have invested in high quality training of specialist safety assessment staff.

"There is no reason ScotRail should compromise safety. To do so is ludicrous and will put passenger lives and the lives of our members at risk.

"Rail safety is not negotiable but ScotRail Alliance don't seem to be getting this.

"We have an overwhelming mandate for industrial action. If the Alliance's latest proposals are not withdrawn by Friday, we will act on this.

"If the Scottish Government won't intervene to keep ScotRail safe then they will force our members to stand up for safety."