Tube stations in London could lose nearly half of their staff early next year, it has emerged.

Figures obtained by London Assembly's Labour group have revealed that under Transport for London (TfL) proposals, 588 staff could be cut.

TfL's plans show a total of 216 stations could have their staffing numbers cut from January 2015.

If the proposals go ahead, in Waltham Forest, 47 per cent of staff at Leyton station and 43 per cent of staff at Leytonstone station will be axed.

In Epping Forest, a reduction of 45 per cent of staff at Epping station and 28.21 per cent of staff at Loughton station would take place.

In Redbridge, a loss of 24 per cent of staff from South Woodford station and 23 per cent of staff from Snaresbrook station would happen, under the plan.

Labour’s London Assembly spokesperson Val Shawcross said: "It beggars belief that, with tube fares due to rise by 2.5% in January, front line staffing levels at stations will be cut by an average of 16% across London.

"What we will see at many stations are passengers being forced to pay more money for less staff support."

TfL said the plans are subject to change, and it would make sure there is more staff available to help passengers.

London Underground's chief operating officer, Phil Hufton, said: "It is nonsense to suggest our plans to modernise staffing at stations will not benefit passengers.

"Under our proposals there will be more staff visible and available to help our passengers and keep them safe and secure as they will be brought out from behind glass windows and back offices to work where people need them - within ticket halls, and on concourses and platforms."