Stagecoach invites staff affected by Yodel closure to apply to become bus drivers

Stagecoach Manchester is calling for staff affected by the closure of Yodel’s distribution centre in Shaw to apply to become bus drivers.

The bus company, which was awarded the Bee Network contract by TfGM, said it is looking for more than 150 drivers in Greater Manchester, including Oldham. 

The Yodel closure announced last week has put up to 350 jobs at risk and has been described as “devastating” for the local area. 

Alex Crane, Operations Director at Stagecoach Manchester, said: “Our thoughts go out to all those affected by the job losses at Yodel, particularly in today’s tough economic climate. We’d encourage anyone whose job is at risk to get in touch with us and apply for an available role.” 

The company said it is looking for a number of different job roles in its Oldham, Queens Road, Stockport and Little Hulton depots. These ranged from fully qualified bus drivers to positions requiring no driving experience, as they will be offering full training as part of the job. 

Crane said: “After being awarded the Queens Road, Oldham and Middleton depots as part of the Bee Network franchise earlier this year … there are plenty of positions available.

“My advice to those looking to apply is they should be reliable, flexible and have a keen approach to customer care. Don’t worry if you don’t have any bus driving experience either; we’re looking for brand new recruits alongside some more experienced drivers. Although, we do give a bonus to any new starters that already hold a PCV licence!”

In Oldham, trainee drivers would immediately receive £11.91 per hour, an increase when qualifying as a bus driver, before rising to the £16 per hour rate after 12 months. Drivers that already hold a PCV licence would start on £16 per hour and could receive a £1,200 joining bonus.

Yodel CEO Mike Hancox said he had made the ‘difficult decision’ to close the distribution site this year after a ‘strategic review’ found the building no longer fit for purpose. Local councillors noted the move had been in the pipeline for a while but it was still ‘disappointing’ news. 

Oldham Council are working together with the company to support staff facing redundancies to find new work.