The large bus depot operated by First in Rotherham will close under new proposals, with staff relocating within South Yorkshire and 20 jobs now "at risk."
In August engineers in Rotherham were awarded a "Wrench" Award from First after being recognised as one of the best engineering depots across the UK but now the bus operator has announced proposals to relocate employees to Sheffield and Doncaster, "as part of a move to safeguard jobs in the long term and continue to deliver an efficient, effective and sustainable service for its customers."
First said in a statement that the Midland Road building at Masbrough is becoming increasingly uneconomical and that the proposed move will save costs and protect jobs in the long term.
A notice to staff, seen by Rothbiz, shows that First believes that the site is too large for current operational needs. Under the proposals, the same drivers will operate the Rotherham services, but will do so from the Olive Grove depot in Sheffield.
A small number of potential redundancies have been identified, mainly in engineering supervision and a small number of skilled roles.
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Kevin Belfield, managing director of First South Yorkshire, said: "Our decision to relocate will not impact on our customers – they should continue to expect high quality and reliable bus services. We will continue to support our Drivers to make bus travel more attractive and grow passenger numbers, while also helping safeguard jobs in the long term.
"Our Rotherham colleagues will relocate primarily to Sheffield Depot. They have done a terrific job operating from Rotherham, and we will ensure that they are fully supported as they relocate.
"We have begun consulting with our employees and trade unions to ensure their views are considered as part of this process. Less than 20 positions are "at risk" of redundancy. However, we will do everything we can to assist those affected, including supporting anyone who would wish to transfer to other First Bus operations where opportunities exist."
If the proposal is implemented, First South Yorkshire will relocate colleagues from Rotherham to Sheffield and Doncaster, by February 2017.
First South Yorkshire website
Images: Google Maps
In August engineers in Rotherham were awarded a "Wrench" Award from First after being recognised as one of the best engineering depots across the UK but now the bus operator has announced proposals to relocate employees to Sheffield and Doncaster, "as part of a move to safeguard jobs in the long term and continue to deliver an efficient, effective and sustainable service for its customers."
First said in a statement that the Midland Road building at Masbrough is becoming increasingly uneconomical and that the proposed move will save costs and protect jobs in the long term.
A notice to staff, seen by Rothbiz, shows that First believes that the site is too large for current operational needs. Under the proposals, the same drivers will operate the Rotherham services, but will do so from the Olive Grove depot in Sheffield.
A small number of potential redundancies have been identified, mainly in engineering supervision and a small number of skilled roles.
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Kevin Belfield, managing director of First South Yorkshire, said: "Our decision to relocate will not impact on our customers – they should continue to expect high quality and reliable bus services. We will continue to support our Drivers to make bus travel more attractive and grow passenger numbers, while also helping safeguard jobs in the long term.
"Our Rotherham colleagues will relocate primarily to Sheffield Depot. They have done a terrific job operating from Rotherham, and we will ensure that they are fully supported as they relocate.
"We have begun consulting with our employees and trade unions to ensure their views are considered as part of this process. Less than 20 positions are "at risk" of redundancy. However, we will do everything we can to assist those affected, including supporting anyone who would wish to transfer to other First Bus operations where opportunities exist."
If the proposal is implemented, First South Yorkshire will relocate colleagues from Rotherham to Sheffield and Doncaster, by February 2017.
First South Yorkshire website
Images: Google Maps