TRANSDEV – which operates Keighley Bus Company – is offering a potential employment lifeline to people hit by the collapse of high street retailer Wilko.

The bus firm says it will give a guaranteed job interview to anyone with a driving licence whose job is facing the axe due to the Wilko store closures.

Transdev is recruiting bus drivers across the region, including at its Keighley centre.

It is currently running an advertising campaign on its vehicles and via social media.

Dale French, the company's training manager, says: "Naturally we were sad to hear the news about Wilko – it has stores in many of the communities that we serve in Yorkshire, plus Lancashire and Greater Manchester.

"We would like to offer all Wilko colleagues who hold a current driving licence a guaranteed interview for a driving role with us. Right now, we have opportunities to join our driving teams at all of our ten operating centres, including seven in North and West Yorkshire.

"We’ll teach newcomers how to drive a bus, and pay for their training on and off the road. We’re looking for people who love being the best and are ready to make a fresh start – especially those with retail experience who know how to give our customers a friendly welcome, every time.

"In return, we offer a highly competitive pay and rewards package, one of the best in the bus industry, including free travel for you and your partner on our buses and most others across the north – plus discounts on shopping, health and more via our exclusive Transdev Exchange app, and a generous company pension scheme with life cover.

"We present awards and rewards to our best performers, and we offer opportunities to progress and develop into other roles with us through our ‘Step Up’ talent development programme. If you are at Wilko and looking to change direction, we’re keen to meet you to talk about who we are, and what we can offer. Come and talk to us about a fresh start."

Full details of all current opportunities at Transdev operating centres across the region are available on its website, at transdevbus.co.uk.

Information specific to Keighley Bus Company can be found at transdevbus.co.uk/keighley/careers, where other roles presently available include auto electrician.

The firm invites anyone wishing to have an informal chat to email joinourteam@transdevbus.co.uk or call the recruitment hotline on 01423 884633.