First South Yorkshire has announced a proposal to relocate employees from its Rotherham operation to Sheffield and Doncaster.
The operator said the measure is part of a move to safeguard jobs in the long term and continue to deliver an efficient, effective and sustainable service for its customers.
The company reassured passengers that there will be no changes to services or timetables resulting from the proposal. First South Yorkshire will continue to operate some 80 vehicles and 230 drivers in the Rotherham area.
However, rather than continue to house its vehicles and employees in a building that it said is becoming increasingly uneconomical, First South Yorkshire said relocating to existing depots in Sheffield and Doncaster will save costs and protect jobs in the long term.
Kevin Belfield, Managing Director of First South Yorkshire, said: “Our decision to relocate will not impact on our customers – they should continue to expect high quality and reliable bus services.
“We will continue to support our drivers to make bus travel more attractive and grow passenger numbers, while also helping safeguard jobs in the long term.
“Our Rotherham colleagues will relocate primarily to Sheffield Depot. They have done a terrific job operating from Rotherham and we will ensure that they are fully supported as they relocate.
“We have begun consulting with our employees and trade unions to ensure their views are considered as part of this process. Less than 20 positions are ‘at risk’ of redundancy. However, we will do everything we can to assist those affected, including supporting anyone who would wish to transfer to other First Bus operations where opportunities exist.”
If the proposal is implemented, First South Yorkshire will relocate colleagues from Rotherham to Sheffield and Doncaster by February 2017.
