TRAINEE bus drivers who were made redundant have been handed a possible lifeline which could see them receive furlough pay.

First Glasgow said they would be looking to see if it is possible to have the staff put on the scheme which was recently extended by the UK Government.

It comes after MSP Maurice Golden contacted the firm because several of his constituents had been in touch with him.

They were made redundant following First Glasgow’s decision to close training schools in line with Government guidelines.

It is understood that this decision meant anyone who had yet to qualify to be a bus driver were made redundant and not eligible to be furloughed.

He said: “It is understandable that First Glasgow made the decision to close their training schools in line with Government guidelines on the Covid-19 outbreak.

“This unfortunately meant those who were training to be bus drivers had to be made redundant before they qualified, meaning they had a lack of support.

“I had been contacted by several employees and I was keen to ensure that a commitment would be made from First Glasgow to reemploy them once the Covid-19 outbreak is over.

“I am please they have made that guarantee to people like Jack Streeter who need some reassurance right now and I hope they can return to training as soon as possible.”

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Trainee Jack Streeter added: “I was extremely disappointed when I was told my training to become a bus driver had to be stopped due to the Coronavirus outbreak, having set my heart on a career in the industry.

“I was desperate for support to help me through this situation and was keen to explore if there was any possibility of support from First Group.

“While I am still exploring the possibility of being furloughed within the group, I am extremely grateful for the support shown by Maurice Golden to confirm that First Group will rehire myself as a priority once the Coronavirus outbreak is over.

“I look forward to returning to complete my training as soon as is safely possible.”

Andrew Jarvis, Managing Director for First Glasgow, said: “First Glasgow welcomes the extension of the furlough scheme announced by the UK Government on Friday, which further supports our business as well as many others throughout the UK during this unprecedented time.

“The extension to the scheme gives us the opportunity to revisit some of the early decisions made around staffing made to protect the business from the severe effects of the UK wide lockdown due to the Coronavirus outbreak.”