MORE than 1,300 drivers for First Glasgow are set to receive a huge pay increase over the next two years.

Drivers who are members of Unite accepted the latest pay deal after months of talks and possibility of strike action.

Over the next two years, the deal will deliver pay rises of between six and 21.5 per cent depending on length of service

Drivers who are currently on the second year of service, receiving £10.70 per hour will now receive £11 per hour from August next year and from October next year, this will rise to £13 per hour.

The firm now have vacancies in their Scotstoun and Dumbarton depots. Employees will also benefit from a rewards programme called First Xclusives, which offers thousands of discounts on goods and services provided by massive array of online and high street retailers covering clothing, tech, food,entertainment and hospitality

First Glasgow Head of Operations, Paul Clark, said: “We’re delighted to be able to introduce this enhanced pay deal, which ramps up pay progression and improves conditions for both new and existing drivers.

“It’s clear that people are keen to become bus drivers and serve their local communities, and it’s therefore important that we make that process as easy as possible and do everything we can to attract new talent to the industry, as well as those looking for a new challenge in the New Year.”

They will also see an improvement in rotas, unpaid break times and a shorter working week including a 12 hour minimum shift.

First has also agreed to pay drivers £300 as a thank you payment. It is understood the company will also invest in training and recruiting drivers.

Also, the company is continuing to offer drivers with an existing Passenger Carrying Vehicle (PCV) licence £4,000 joining bonus, which is paid in two parts; first £2k after six months and then the second payment after completion of the first year of employment.

Sharon Graham, Unite general secretary, said: “The inflation busting pay deal for many of our drivers in First Glasgow is industry leading. Unite has been working hard over a number of months to secure the best possible result. We are determined to improve the job, pay and conditions of our members, and this pay deal should be a benchmark for all other bus companies to follow.”