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Polish Bus Drivers on Way to UK
A recruitment campaign in Poland for bus drivers to work in Britain was hailed today as evidence of Europe’s single market at work.
Transport company First Group is advertising for up to 1,000 drivers from the ranks of unemployed Poles to take up jobs on British bus routes.
The move is possible because of the freedom for any EU nationals to live and work in any of the 25 member states.
With bus drivers in short supply in Britain, First Group has turned to Poland, an EU member state since last May, where there are more bus drivers than suitable jobs.
Before taking the wheel in Britain, successful candidates will have intensive training, including lessons in the English language and the relevant local dialect.
Gary Titley, MEP for the North West region and Labour leader in the European Parliament, said: “The ability to move freely around the European Union is a clear and significant benefit for those searching for work, as well as for companies finding it difficult to recruit, and for good public service provision.
“The UK has the lowest unemployment rates in decades and companies are struggling to fill positions. Employers are now looking to our European neighbours to recruit vital workers.
“So instead of bus routes being axed and public transport cut, we are seeing Polish bus drivers and engineers arriving in Britain, many of whom have years of experience, to plug the gap.”
First Group has already recruited more than 50 Polish drivers and engineers and will continue the recruitment campaign for the next 18 months.
(Source: http://news.scotsman.com/latest.cfm?id=3523724) |
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