Brighton and Hove and Metrobus are working with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to help arriving Ukrainian refugees to take up positions that include driving roles.
The efforts take advantage of a change to legislation that means refugees from the war-hit country receive immediate settlement status and the opportunity to work in the UK straight away. Ukrainian bus drivers can exchange their existing bus driving licence for UK entitlement under a current standard EU agreement.
The Go-Ahead Group companies have introduced a special training programme to support arrivals from Ukraine back into work in a bid to help solve its shortage of bus drivers.
On 10 November, refugees were invited to a recruitment open day. Those attending had been assessed by DWP as having a driving licence and a good understanding of English written and verbal communication skills. Advice on other openings, including in customer services and engineering, was also offered, along with information on training and career progression.
Says Brighton and Hove and Metrobus Managing Director Ed Wills: “We want to help local people live their lives to the full, whether that is 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 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.”
Adds Employer Advisor for Brighton and Hove Jobcentre Anita Pain: “It is 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.”
