Driver who was ‘too short for new buses’ wins back her job

A BUS driver who was allegedly forced to leave her job after 34 years for “being too small” has been reinstated after an appeal.

Tracey Scholes, who is 5ft tall, was unable to drive Go North West’s new fleet of buses after the vehicles’ wing mirrors were redesigned. The 57-yearold from Manchester claimed she had to either reduce her working hours or be dismissed after the changes meant her feet could no longer reach the pedals without creating a blind spot.

But after Mrs Scholes made a final appeal last week, backed by a petition signed by more than 25,000 people, the bus company confirmed yesterday that it had reached a deal with her.

Scott Maynard, the firm’s group HR director, said in a statement that the company was pleased the “valued and long-serving driver” was to stay with Go North West “after she decided to accept an offer to drive different buses as per a proposal made in September”.

Mrs Scholes will start earlier to allow her to pick up a bus with wing mirrors of her preference. Her weekly hours and rate of pay will be unchanged.

“It is categorically untrue that we would, or could, have threatened anybody with dismissal on grounds of height,” Mr Maynard said.