A Ukrainian refugee has become the first to be employed as a bus driver through a recruitment scheme.
Volodymyr Syrotiuk, 61, worked in a warehouse and drove heavy goods vehicles near Kyiv but was evacuated after the invasion by Russia in February 2022.
He has now settled in Brighton and joined the crew of bus drivers at Brighton and Hove Buses.
Parent company Go-Ahead began taking steps to hire Ukrainians in November last year in a programme supported by the Department for Work and Pensions.
Volodymyr said that his new job has made “settling into the country easier”.
He said: “I’d encourage my friends from Ukraine to come here and to seriously consider being a bus driver like me.
“I get to be in the position where I’m responsible for 80 people every journey and it’s satisfying.”
The UK has suffered from a lack of bus drivers since the end of pandemic lockdowns.
Industry body the Confederation of Passenger Transport recently estimated that seven per cent of bus driver positions are vacant.
To help address this, the government has eased the process for Ukrainians to exchange their driving licences for British versions.
Brighton and Hove Buses managing director Ed Wills said: “We’re extremely happy to welcome Volodymyr to the team.
“As a company, we can offer jobs to people from Ukraine who are looking to rebuild a more peaceful life.
“I hope this is the first of many to come, and that we continue to be able to help more refugees like Volodymyr find work and security in the UK.”
Eloise Cornish, employer adviser lead at Brighton and Hove Jobcentre, said: “We’re thrilled to hear about Volodymyr’s job start with Brighton and Hove Buses.
“We met Volodymyr at a jobs fair and his positive attitude shone through.”
It comes as the city stood in solidarity for Ukrainian Independence Day yesterday, marking 32 years since the nation separated from the Soviet Union and 18 months since the start of the Russian invasion.
Since the start of the war, over 500 Ukrainian individuals and families have come to Brighton and Hove in search of a safe haven.
Councillor Maureen Winder, deputy chairwoman of Brighton and Hove City Council’s equalities, community safety and human rights committee, said: “It’s heartbreaking to see Ukrainian communities celebrate their national holiday displaced from their homes and loved ones for a second year in a row.
“The courage, resolution and unity that Ukrainians continue showing in the face of war is an inspiration to us all and should not be forgotten.”
Those who have one or more spare rooms or a self-contained property available for at least six months can apply to host a Ukrainian refugee through the Homes for Ukraine scheme.
Hosts receive £750 per month as a thank-you payment, as well as information, advice and support from the council’s Ukrainian Response team.
People can register their interest by visiting the Homes for Ukraine sponsorship scheme website at gov.uk/register-interest-homes-ukraine.
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