Wage boost for bus drivers as Pulhams announces recruitment day

Pulhams is hosting a recruitment day for aspiring bus drivers, having recently increased wages to make its drivers the highest paid in the area.

The recruitment day will take place at the Leonardo Hotel in Cheltenham between 10am and 3pm on Sunday 26th April.

Pulhams is actively seeking drivers for its school and college routes, with new increased driver pay rates having already come into effect at the start of April.

The new pay includes a £115 per day rate for college duties and a £100 per day rate for school runs. Sunday pay is a very competitive £18.50 per hour, with Saturday rates at £17 per hour and weekday rates having risen £15.80 per hour.

Luke Marion, Managing Director of Pulhams, said: “Our upcoming recruitment day provides an excellent opportunity for candidates to meet the team, ask questions and fast-track their application process.

“We have recently invested more than £8 million into 15 new electric buses and depot upgrades, providing prospective drivers the opportunity to get behind the wheel of these brand new electric vehicles.

“Combined with an above inflation rate increase for wages, which has made our drivers the highest paid in the area, it marks an exciting time of growth for Pulhams.

“We have been operating Cirencester College’s ‘home to college’ service since September and there are opportunities within this contract for drivers to benefit from our new enhanced college rates.

“While we’re looking for a range of applicants during our upcoming recruitment day, we expect that the college rate will be particularly attractive to existing PCV licence holders.”

Those wishing to fast-track their application can take part in a full assessment and are asked to bring proof of eligibility to work in the UK along with their current photocard driving licence. Candidates must also generate a code, which is only valid for 72 hours, via the following link: www.gov.uk/view-driving-licence

Booking is recommended for the recruitment day, but not necessary.

Last month, an investment of £8.17 million saw Pulhams launch 15 electric buses and a depot upgrade at its site in Golden Valley, Cheltenham, which included 16 electric charging points, a new bus wash, new fuelling system, refurbished offices and improved driver rest facilities.

Pulhams also began operating a new service between Cheltenham and Oxford via Witney from 29th March, with the introduction of the X52 to the network.

Pulhams is based in the Cotswolds village of Bourton-on-the-Water and has been serving the community for more than 140 years, currently operating services across Gloucestershire and into surrounding counties as well as private coach travel throughout the UK and Europe.