Staff at doomed Railtrack arrived for work looking grim today as they awaited news about their future.

Workers at Railtrack House at London's Euston Station said they were unsure of what would happen to their jobs.

They said they had no idea that the company would be wound up when they left their desks on Friday.

Transport Secretary Stephen Byers said there would be no job losses among the 11,000 workers, but employees seemed less certain.

As they made their way into their 16-storey office block they told reporters they were awaiting news from their bosses.

One woman said: "I was really surprised. No one knew about this on Friday.

"We'll find out today hopefully what the full details are, but I think my job is safe."

Another woman in her 20s, who worked as a secretary, said: "I haven't worked there long and I finish at the end of this week. But I'm glad I'm not staying any longer.

"The atmosphere was good on Friday and no one seemed to know. I didn't hear about it until I saw the news in the media yesterday."

Mr Byers' announcement came as the company's share price dipped and debts spiralled to more than £3 billion.

He said yesterday a new private company would rationalise the national railway network and put the interests of the travelling public first.

While some workers were surprised at the announcement others felt it was inevitable.

A female employee in her forties said: "I'm not surprised, it's business."

Another said: "It's bad news but what can you do?"

Asked how they felt about the announcement most staff shrugged and said it was best not to comment before heading into the office