Red Funnel’s longstanding Job Seeker Travel Scheme has been extended to support those on the mainland searching for jobs across the Isle of Wight, helping businesses on the Island to attract talent further afield.
In collaboration with Jobcentre Plus, the travel scheme has been available for over 12 years, providing cross-Solent trips for Islanders travelling for interviews on the mainland.
For the first time, the renewed travel scheme enables job seekers on both sides of the Solent to obtain reduced priced tickets, with individual day returns available at £12.80.
CEO, Fran Collins, said: “We understand the pressure that many can face when looking for a new job and we understand that sometimes employers need to cast a wider net to find the right person. This is why we’ve made the proactive decision to support both our Island community and mainlanders in broadening the local workforce.”
Alongside supporting unemployed candidates, those who are successful in finding employment can apply through Jobcentre Plus for additional help with cross-Solent travel.
Speaking on the extension of Red Funnel’s Job Seekers Scheme, Isle of Wight West MP, Richard Quigley, said: “Following my recent meeting with Fran Collins, I’m delighted she and the team at Red Funnel are extending their Job Seekers scheme to include mainlanders seeking employment on the Island.
Red Funnel already offers discounted travel to Islanders looking for work on the mainland, but it’s important to recognise with our ageing demographics that we need people of working age to fill increasing vacancies on the Island. The more we can do to support the Island’s economy the better.”
Red Funnel’s Job Seekers Travel Scheme is part of its ESG strategy, Changing Tides. The Island Job Seekers scheme is administered by Jobcentre Plus in Newport and Ryde.