Ukrainian evacuee is first to be employed as bus driver through recruitment scheme
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Ukrainian evacuee within the UK has turn out to be the primary to be employed as a bus driver by a recruitment scheme.
Volodymyr Syrotiuk, 61, labored in a warehouse and drove heavy items autos close to Kyiv earlier than the invasion by Russia in February 2022.
He has since settled in Brighton and has joined Brighton and Hove Buses as a driver.
Parent firm Go-Ahead started taking steps to rent Ukrainians in November final yr in a programme supported by the Department for Work and Pensions.
The Government has eased the method for Ukrainians to change their driving licences for British variations.
Mr Syrotiuk stated his new job has made “settling into the country easier”.
He went on: “I’d encourage my friends from Ukraine to come here and to seriously consider being a bus driver like me.
“I get to be in a position where I’m responsible for 80 people every journey and it’s satisfying.”
The UK has suffered from an absence of bus drivers because the finish of coronavirus lockdowns.
Industry physique the Confederation of Passenger Transport not too long ago estimated that 7% of bus driver positions are vacant.
Brighton and Hove Buses managing director Ed Wills stated: “We’re extremely happy to welcome Volodymyr to the team.
“As a company we can offer jobs to people from Ukraine who are looking to rebuild a more peaceful life.
“I hope this is the first of many to come, and that we continue to be able to help more refugees like Volodymyr find work and security in the UK.”
Eloise Cornish, employer adviser lead at Brighton and Hove Jobcentre, stated: “We’re thrilled to hear about Volodymyr’s job start with Brighton and Hove Buses.
“We met Volodymyr at a jobs fair and his positive attitude shone through.”