Brighton & Hove and Metrobus are working in partnership with the Department for Work and Pensions to support Ukrainian refugees into gainful employment. A change in government legislation has resulted in Ukrainian refugees receiving immediate settlement status and the opportunity to work in the UK straight away.
Ukrainian bus drivers can exchange their bus driving licence for a UK licence under a current standard EU agreement. Previously bus drivers from countries other than the UK had to wait a year before they could apply for jobs at Brighton & Hove and Metrobus. However, with to a new company policy and a special training programme in place the company can support Ukrainian refugees back into work.
Nick Strudwick, Training Manager for Brighton & Hove and Metrobus, said: “We urgently need more brilliant people to drive our buses. Following recent pay deals, driver salaries have increased by more than 10% this year. Drivers can now expect to earn a basic salary of £31,000 plus overtime after training.
“Here at Brighton & Hove and Metrobus we offer free paid training, great employee benefits including free travel for the entire family and superb career progression. It is vital for our business that we continue to recruit more drivers and are open to new and innovative ways of finding the right people. With the situation as it is in the Ukraine and a lack of drivers in the UK this makes perfect sense.”
On Thursday, November 10, Brighton & Hove and Metrobus will invite Ukrainian refugees to its recruitment open day. Those who attend have been assessed by the Department for Work and Pensions on the basis of having a driver’s licence and a good understanding of English written and verbal communication skills that are essential for the positions offered.
Anita Pain, Employer Advisor for Brighton & Hove Job Centre, said: ”It’s terrific how businesses have come together to support the Ukrainian community. We are delighted to have been a part of this innovative and fast paced approach to fill vacancies in our city.”
At the open day the Ukrainian refugees will find out what jobs are available at the company including driving, engineering and customer services. They will learn more about the training processes involved and career progression.
Ed Wills, Managing Director for Brighton & Hove and Metrobus, added: “We provide a first-class bus service for our community. We want to help local people live their lives to the full whether that’s driving them to work, school or to meet up with friends and family.
“As a company we also have the ability to offer jobs to people from the Ukraine who are here to start a new and more peaceful life. I look forward to having more recruitment events like this in the future.”
