40 drivers laid off as bus firm loses licence
DRIVERS employed by a bus company which had its operating licences revoked have been told they are being laid off without pay.
Around 40 drivers at Express Motors, which was rapped by the Traffic Commissioner last year, received the news last week.
The firm operated an extensive network of services in Gwynedd and Anglesey but their licences were revoked after a public inquiry in August over the state of some vehicles.
The company had been allowed to continue operating until a new firm Express Motors (Caernarfon) Ltd could be set up under a new management. But those plans were thrown into disarray when a Traffic Commissioners hearing due to be held on January 17 was adjourned until next month.
The letter, on Express Motors (Penygroes) Ltd headed notepaper and dated January 22, said: “Unfortunately we are unable to pay staff for the next few weeks.
“According to your contract of employment, we are able to lay off without pay. We have no options than to invoke this cause (sic) of today’s date.”
The letter then quotes the relevant “Short Time working and Lay Off” clause in the employee’s contract and is signed R W Davies on behalf of Eric W Jones. He is described as the proprietor of the business. Companies House records show Mr Jones resigned as a director of the company last April.
The letter ends: “We have not taken this decision lightly but we have no alternative.”
One driver, who asked not to be named, said: “I’m disappointed at the way things are turning out.
“I had hoped sticking with Express would lead to a job with the new company and I was still being paid even though the licences had been revoked. Some of the lads are thinking of calling in the union and seeking legal advice.”