Unions have reacted with anger to the news that executives at Network Rail are to receive bonuses equivalent to 55.6 per cent of their basic annual salary.

Justifying the scale of the bonuses, the rail network said it had exceeded tough regulatory performance targets.

John Armitt, chief executive, who has a basic annual salary of £485,000, will receive £269,000.

Gerry Doherty, general secretary of the moderate TSSA, described it as "scandalous", adding: "It's little wonder that these guys are known as fat controllers."