ONE hundred new train drivers are needed to help Scotrail improve its service.
Scotrail's unprecedented nationwide recruitment drive will see recruits paid a starting salary of £24,559 during their first year of intensive training, gradually increasing to £43,212 following a probationary period.
Additional drivers are needed at depots including Aberdeen, Ayr, Bathgate, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Gourock, Helensburgh, Inverness, Perth, Stirling and Tweedbank.
It comes months after ScotRail was forced to cut more than a third of its timetabled Sunday services after a dispute over pay and conditions led to a drop in the number of drivers volunteering to work Sundays. The dispute was resolved in July when ScotRail management and representatives of train drivers' union , Aslef, agreed a 2.5 per cent pay rise, backdated overtime earnings and a £67.50 bonus per Sunday shift.
At present, drivers are only rostered to work Monday to Saturday with Sunday shifts counting as voluntary overtime.
ScotRail wants to move to a seven-day working week, and needs to hire additional drivers to do so.
Phil Verster, ScotRail Alliance managing director, said: “We’re investing in Scotland’s railways by modernising trains, expanding timetables and adding journey options – and recruiting a large group of new drivers is vital to make these improvements possible.
“We are proud to be supporting local communities and the Scottish economy by creating quality jobs that will make a real impact for customers.
“It is an exciting chance for people to embark on an interesting career with great prospects – while also playing an important part in the transformation of Scotland’s railway.”
The operator is seeking "enthusiastic, reliable candidates with excellent attention spans, experience of safety-critical roles and a passion for customer service".
No prior rail industry experience is necessary and ScotRail will welcome applications from all working age adults.
The operator expects to attract a wide range of applicants and demand is likely to be huge. A previous recruitment drive to fill 18 driver posts for the new Borders Railway drew more than 2,200 applications.
Mr Verster and Transport Minister Derek Mackay made the announcement at Edinburgh Waverley, where they met some of the company’s existing trainee drivers who are currently undergoing the rigorous qualification process in Edinburgh.
The four trainees have left behind previous jobs as a shop keeper, flight attendant, airport policeman and a tram driver to pursue a career driving trains.
Mr Mackay said: “The staff who keep our railways running are a key asset and I am delighted to launch this unprecedented, nationwide recruitment drive that will create up to 100 new train driver jobs.
“This recruitment campaign will support the delivery of Scottish jobs in the industry and means that we are able to continue to operate a world-class railway in the future.”
Kevin Lindsay, Scottish secretary of Aslef trade union, said: “Aslef welcomes the announcement of over 100 train driver job on ScotRail.
“This is a great opportunity for all sections of our community to apply to join the railway.
“As a union, we look forwarded to continuing our good working relationship with the Scottish Government and Abellio as we jointly develop and deliver Scotland's railways.”
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