Passenger groups today criticised plans to cut 162 jobs on the main rail link through Leicestershire, saying services would be hit.

East Midlands Trains, which runs the county's inter-city and cross-country services, wants to axe eight per cent of its 2,082 staff because of the economic downturn.

The company said the cuts would affect management, and clerical and supervisory roles, as well as frontline posts at stations, shops and on trains. A consultation with staff is now under way.

It was unable to give details on where on the network job cuts were planned, but wants to make the changes by May 1.

The RMT union claims 60 station staff would lose their jobs across the train operator's network, which stretches from York to London St Pancras.

The company also plans to cut 20 train staff and 28 managers, according to the union.

A spokesman for East Midlands Trains, which is owned by transport group Stagecoach, said: "These are clearly very difficult times for people involved at all levels of the company, but it is crucial that changes are made to ensure the business can tough out the recession."

The company would not say whether passenger numbers had declined since the start of the downturn, but insisted services would not be reduced.

Paul Fullwood, East Midlands manager of watchdog Passenger Focus, said: "Passengers will want to know where these cuts are going to be made and how job losses are going to affect their journey.

"Our research shows that passengers want a staff presence on trains and at the station.

"They provide advice and help for passengers with accessibility issues, and can sell tickets.

"Having visible staff gives reassurance to passengers and a greater sense of security."

The RMT condemned the job losses. A spokesman said: "The vast majority of these cuts are on frontline staff. This is about improving profits, not improving customer service."

Disabled people were concerned that any cuts in station staff could mean they would find it more difficult to get the essential help they needed when travelling by train.

Jenny Pearce is chief executive of charity Vista, which represents visually-impaired people in Leicestershire and Rutland.

She said: "Fewer staff on station platforms would have an impact on people who are visually impaired – in terms of less help available."

Passengers at Leicester railway station criticised the plans.

Nathan Franks, 23, of Highfields, Leicester, said: "The service is okay, but with fewer staff, it's inevitable it will get worse."

Jon Steadman, 32, of Blaby, said: "What is annoying is they are putting the prices up while they are making the cuts."

Margaret Williams, 35, of Clarendon Park, Leicester, said: "If they are losing so many people, then surely it's only a matter of time before the number of trains is reduced."

Revenue from Stagecoach's UK rail business as a whole rose by 8.2 per cent in the six months to October 31.