Getting Rochdale Borough Jobseekers Back to Work

Rochdale Borough Council has announced an initiative aimed at helping jobseekers with the cost of getting to interviews or with their daily commute.

Rochdale Borough Council, as part of the Greater Manchester Combined Authorities, has negotiated free bus travel for applicants attending job interviews, as well as free or discounted public transport during the first few months in their new job.

Until March 2015, eligible jobseekers can apply for one of 24,000 free one-day bus passes to get to interviews or free 28 day bus or Metrolink travel passes once employment has been secured, with a further 12-weeks of discounted travel after that.

Those who prefer peddle power for their commute will benefit from the ‘Bike Back to Work’ initiative. This will give them access to free recycled bikes, which can be kept after three months, along with safety accessories like lights and helmets, cycle training and bike maintenance.

Councillor Colin Lambert, Leader of Rochdale Borough Council, said “Let’s get working together. Helping our residents get a job is a major priority.”

The scheme is being run in conjunction with Transport for Greater Manchester and partners System One and Jobcentre Plus, with government funding.

Councillor Andrew Fender, Chair of the Transport for Greater Manchester Committee, said: “The cost of travel can both make it difficult for people to find jobs – or get to them in the first few weeks of employment when money is tight. We hope that both these schemes will go some way to helping more people back in to work.

“Giving people recycled bikes and cycle training can set people up with a particularly healthy, low cost and practical way of getting to work – especially where shifts or location rule public transport out."

Jobseekers can apply through their Jobcentre Plus advisor who will advise if they eligible. For further information visit www.tfgm.com/jobseekers