Stagecoach West is offering immediate job interviews to Wilko staff who will soon be out of work.

Wilko stores around the UK are preparing to close after the retailer's failed attempts to find a new owner.

This includes both of Swindon's stores, with the site in Greenbridge closing on Tuesday, September 19 and the site in the town centre closing on Thursday, September 21.

Stagecoach to offer interviews to ex-Wilko staff

Now, one bus company has offered immediate job interviews to all staff affected by the closures, regardless of whether they have a bus licence.

The bus operator would like to hear from anyone who is considering a career change to become a bus driver, because the business believes that customer service skills used in retail work will transfer well to this new role.

Immediate start bus driver vacancies are available at Stagecoach West’s depots in Swindon.  Roles are on offer for existing PCV license holders and those looking to train to be a bus driver.

Anyone looking to gain their license will have all their training paid for, which covers costs of up to £4,000, and will earn wages from day one.

Stagecoach West managing director Rachel Geliamassi said: “We’d love to hear from anyone affected by the redundancies at Wilko. 

"Our drivers are the first point of contact our passengers have with us so great customer service skills and an approachable nature are imperative – qualities many Wilko employees have in spades.   

"It must be a very worrying time for all those impacted, so if we’re able to help people get back to work serving their communities as a bus driver, then we’d urge them to get in touch to discuss available positions and training options.

“We pride ourselves on a friendly, inclusive working environment and welcome applications from all. We have really close-knit driving teams across our region with plenty of friendly faces to welcome you.”

Drivers working out of the Swindon Depot receive a salary of £13.24 per hour Monday to Saturday and £14.54 per hour on Sundays, with a minimum of 38 hours of shifts per week and the opportunity to earn more with overtime. 

The partners and up to two children of Stagecoach West staff receive free travel on Stagecoach buses across the country.

For further information or to apply, visit stagecoachbus.com/careers