Union in call for assurance over bus firm jobs

ASSURANCES are being sought over staffing should the proposed takeover of Perth bus firm Stagecoach get the go-ahead.

In March, DWS Infrastructure tabled a £595 million bid for Stagecoach – a deal the Perth firm said would save jobs in the Fair City.

It said at the time that the overall headcount in frontline operational roles was expected to remain the same.

However, Unite the Union has requested assurances on staffing numbers.

“We note there is an expectation, but not a commitment, to retain the overall headcount in frontline operational roles.

“No working definition on frontline operational roles has been put forward, and we will urgently seek further engagement on headcount plans if the offer is accepted.”

The union said it would not be unusual for legally binding commitments to be put in place to protect jobs. It would also rule out any compulsory redundancies.

The union said Stagecoach staff have faced “significant uncertainty” in recent months.

That statement comes after the Stagecoach board backed an allshare offer from National Express last December that would have seen Perth head office jobs move to Birmingham.

The statement from Unite the Union added: “Investment in bus transportation has great potential to transform communities for the better, reduce carbon emissions, connect people with workplaces and leisure in greater numbers.

“None of this is possible without support for employees.”

A Stagecoach spokesperson said: “We welcome the contribution from Unite.

“We will continue to engage with the trade union and our people on those points and other relevant matters relating to the future of the business.”