UK鈥檚 highest-paid civil servant stands down after government pressure to accept less money


The chief executive of Network Rail is to quit after government pressure to turn down a possible 拢600,000 bonus.

Network Rail today said that Iain Coucher鈥檚 resignation was for personal reasons. However, Bob Crow, union leader of rail union RMT said Coucher presided over a culture that had attacked jobs, working conditions and safety while his salary and perks had 鈥済one through the roof鈥�.


Coucher鈥檚 拢613,000 a year salary is believed to be the public sector鈥檚 highest and his pay is likely to double when Network Rail announces its bonuses this month. Coucher came under scrutiny earlier this month when the government released details of the highest public sector salaries but made clear that he would not give up all or part of his bonus. Last year he turned down his bonus but received an extra 拢150,000 as part of an incentive scheme.


Coucher has worked for Network Rail eight years and has been chief executive for the last three. He will remain in post until a successor is found.

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