Grand Central Trains - North East

Again Grand Central trains are looking to recruit more Qualified Drivers in the North East region. Would anyone who knows or works for GC be able to provide any information in regards to:

Shifts and rest day pattern?
I also hear they are negotiating a new pay rise?
They dont have a rest day working agreement?
Earliest start, latest finish times?
Big or small depot?
Process for recruitment?

Also they seem to be short of drivers, according to news paper reports over the Christmas period, what maybe the reasons to this. Is the company not a sort after role for drivers due to being open access and no RPS or are there other issues for this. They seem to take on T&W metro drivers alot, is this company preferance for GC or again not many qualified drivers apply for this role.

Also of info there i understand so thank you in advance. Cheers i would appreciate it.

Its been 2 weeks since i applied, so far no news. Anyone have any know what recruitment timeline is like for GC

Cheers