Jobseeker boost as ScotRail offer free tickets for interviews and work

SCOTLAND’S NATIONAL RAIL provider has stepped in to help Jobseekers and those returning to work with free travel offers.

The ScotRail Alliance managing director Alex Hynes has said that ScotRail will offer two free return rail journeys each month for jobseekers for attendance at interviews.

And where the jobseeker is finally successful in obtaining work, a free ScotRail travel ticket will be provided for the first month back at work.

Mr Hynes said that by supporting people back into work, the ScotRail Alliance is helping to grow Scotland’s economy. Jobseekers are also able to take advantage of the Jobcentre Plus Travel Discount Card – a UK government initiative which allows those who are unemployed and claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance or Universal Credit to receive a 50% discount on selected rail tickets.

Alex Hynes said: “We’re building the best railway Scotland has ever had, and part of that is helping to grow the economy and create a fairer country by setting people on the fast-track to work.

“For people out of work, the cost of travelling to an interview can often be a barrier to returning to work. By removing that barrier and providing help with the cost, we hope to be able to support people into work and grow Scotland’s economy.

“The support we offer to jobseekers is one of the ScotRail Alliance’s best kept secrets – but I want as many people as possible to know about this opportunity.”

Jamie Hepburn, Minister for Employability and Training, said: “The ScotRail franchise is about much more than delivering a rail service – it acts as an enabler for growth by helping people access education, employment and leisure opportunities across the country.

“This offer to jobseekers does exactly that by making attending interviews and starting work more affordable.”