TransPennine Express has announced that they now offer free rail travel for job seekers in Hull.

The train operator has been working with the Department of Work and Pensions in Hull to bring free rail travel to local job seekers.

As part of the scheme, those in long-term unemployment have also been supported with travel to towns and cities across the North, completely free of charge.

To date, 113 free tickets have been provided to support the local community.

In addition to free travel to job interviews, those who then go onto secure a job on the TPE network will be given free travel for their first month of employment.

The initiative has enabled those in long-term unemployment to secure jobs in a range of destinations including Selby, Garforth, Leeds, Dewsbury, Huddersfield, Manchester, Newcastle and Middlesbrough.

What did the officials say?

Dan Dreggs, TransPennine Express Station Manager for Humberside said:

“We are proud to be doing our bit to support those looking for work in the Hull area. By making one month of travel available we are helping to remove a potential barrier to someone accepting a job offer and we will continue to work with the Department of Work & Pensions to enable the scheme to continue.”

Councillor Daren Hale, portfolio holder for transport for Hull City Council, said:

“Supporting our residents who have been in long-term unemployment is a huge priority for the council, and this excellent scheme allows them to seek employment opportunities outside of their usual network.  Transport can sometimes prove to be a barrier to progression, and by removing these obstacles and offering free travel, they have the necessary tools required to make a success of their working lives and achieve goals which may not have been previously possible.”

Martin Hewitson, Hull Jobcentre Plus Provision Manager said:

“We were delighted when TransPennine Express invited us to work on this initiative, travel to work costs can discourage people from applying for jobs further afield. This offer of free rail travel either to attend interviews or free rail travel on the network to cover costs during the first month of work has removed barriers and opened up new employment opportunities for jobseekers in and around the Hull area. The programme is easy to access and has supported 60 people in the last 12 months.”

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