A scheme offering free rail travel worth up to £600 to job interviews and for new job starters by National Express rail company c2c has been backed by three local MPs in Essex.
c2c staff were joined by local MPs John Baron, James Duddridge and Jackie Doyle-Price at Basildon, Southend Central and Grays stations respectively on Friday in handing out leaflets to raise awareness of the scheme.
Job seekers are eligible for up to six free tickets to interviews, and new starters are eligible for two months’ free travel on c2c trains, when vacancies are organised through the Job Centre.
c2c Managing Director Julian Drury said:
“We are giving free train travel to help job seekers across our route return to work, potentially saving them up to £600 at a time when their money is particularly tight.
“c2c has been part of the local community for the last 16 years, and we consider it our duty to make our own contribution to help local residents during these difficult economic times.”
John Baron, MP for Basildon and Billericay, said:
“c2c deserve the fullest praise for this excellent initiative. Travel costs can put people off job applications, yet they may be missing a great opportunity.
“This scheme puts that right, and so allows a greater choice of jobs for our local unemployed. c2c are a great train company. Their Job Start Scheme once again illustrates their commitment to our communities.”
