A PERTH-BASED bus company is backing a scheme to help unemployed people find work.
Stagecoach will give thousands of jobseekers free travel in the New Year as part of the new Bus for Jobs initiative.
The scheme will run for the month of January and was organised by the Greener Journeys sustainable travel campaign. It is being supported by a number of bus companies.
The Bus for Jobs deal will cover over 70% of the nation’s bus routes, and will be open to people who are actively seeking work or taking part in training.
Charlie Mullen, managing director of Stagecoach East Scotland, said: “The bus is Britain’s most important mode of public transport. It is how millions of people across the UK access employment, education and training every day.
“Bus for Jobs could make the vital difference for those who are struggling to get that first job or training place. In particular, I hope we can help more of our young people make a better start in life.”
Transport Minister Norman Baker said: “Good bus services play a huge role in boosting economic growth by helping people to access employment and training opportunities. I have been encouraging bus operators to look at the fare deals they can offer to young people looking for work, so I congratulate the operators that are doing so in January and look forward to seeing other offers in the future.
“This move will benefit the industry as well as job seekers as young people are not only a key section of the market they are the future of the local bus industry.”
Government figures suggest the free bus travel offer will be available to as many as 817,000 people who are currently out of work and claiming benefits.
The Bus for Jobs scheme will be available to jobseekers who have been unemployed for between three months and one year. It is particularly targeted at young people, for whom unemployment rates remain high. The scheme will cover holders of a JobCentre Plus Travel Discount Card, which is available through JobCentre Plus.