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THE largest bus company in the west of Scotland says it will give priority for future jobs to drivers made redundant by the Covid-19 pandemic.

First Glasgow, which has a depot in Dumbarton, closed its bus driver training scheme and laid off a number of drivers as a result of the lockdown.

But the company has now asked the government whether it can re-employ several of its previous workers and register them on the Job Retention Scheme, which would see those drivers furloughed and 80 per cent of their previous salaries paid by the government.

The move followed a call from Conservative MSP Maurice Golden after constituents contacted him to ask for advice after being laid off by the company following the closure of its trainee scheme.

Mr Golden said: “It is understandable that First Glasgow made the decision to close their training schools in line with Government guidelines on the Covid-19 outbreak. I was keen to ensure that a commitment would be made from First Glasgow to re employ them once the Covid-19 outbreak is over.

“I am pleased they have made that guarantee to people who need some reassurance right now and I hope they can return to training as soon as possible.”

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Trainee driver Jack Streeter, from Helensburgh, said: “I was extremely disappointed when I was told my training to become a bus driver had to be stopped due to the coronavirus outbreak.

“I was desperate for support to help me through this situation and was keen to explore any possibility of support from First Group.

“While I am still exploring the possibility of being furloughed within the group, I am extremely grateful for the support shown by Maurice Golden.”

First Glasgow employs 2,400 people and operates nearly 1,000 buses in the Glasgow area with depots in Scotstoun and Dumbarton.

Andrew Jarvis, managing director for First Glasgow, said: “First Glasgow welcomes the extension of the furlough scheme announced by the UK Government.

“The extension gives us the opportunity to revisit some of the early decisions made around staffing.

“Any trainee drivers who qualify for the extended furlough scheme, that we can bring back, will be.”