WEU Campaigns for Local Jobs for Local People

Dear Member,

The Workers of England Union campaigns for Local Jobs for Local People because we believe that local skills should be given priority whenever possible.

For example, in London, over 300,000 residents are unemployed and 700,000 earn less than the living wage. We urge that employment be prioritised for these 300,000 individuals first, and that the wages of those earning below the living wage be increased.

We believe that companies bidding for local government contracts should be required to recruit from local communities first, instead of exploiting foreign workers to undercut local wages.

Higher wages are urgently needed for Londoners and workers across England. If you know of foreign workers being exploited or any local person being refused employment, please let us know.

Regards,
Stephen Morris

Help your family, friends, and neighbours by supporting Local Jobs for Local People.

British bus driver ‘is refused a job interview in Watford because he’s not ROMANIAN’ | Daily Mail Online

Key Points

• Peter Kennedy, 45, of Lincolnshire, is a fully qualified bus driver.
• Arriva advert read ‘EU bus drivers wanted’ for a Watford-based job.
• The married man had a job interview arranged but it was cancelled.
• Manager said scheme ‘set up for Romanians had filled Watford jobs.’

Fully qualified bus driver Peter Kennedy, 45, of Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, applied for a job with Arriva after seeing an advert saying “EU bus drivers wanted.” The married man, who works for a delivery firm on a zero-hours contract, was prepared to move 150 miles south from his home to Watford.

Separately, the company was also accused of exploiting its Romanian drivers by providing them with cramped living conditions.

Mr Kennedy had been invited for an interview, but the day before it was due he received an email from the bus firm informing him that their recruitment drive was only for Romanians.

“I’ve been looking for a job driving for ages, so was delighted when I saw the advert,” he said. “I was all set for the interview when they told me all the posts had been filled by Romanian drivers. It’s totally wrong if British workers aren’t able to apply for jobs in this country.”

According to Mr Kennedy, the Arriva job advert said they were seeking 30 drivers to work 38 hours a week in Watford and that accommodation would be provided. It required a category D driving licence, EU citizenship, one year’s experience, and English proficiency. Applicants also had to pass police and medical checks.

In an email dated 2 August titled “The British Bus Driver,” a member of staff at recruitment agency Skills Provision copied a response from an Arriva general manager for London: “The programme we have set up for the Romanians fills my requirement here at Watford.”

Mr Kennedy believes Arriva’s recruitment policy was decided before the advert was published. “Honest workers like me aren’t even getting a chance,” he said.

An Arriva spokesperson told MailOnline: “Arriva provides thousands of bus journeys every day to passengers across the UK. We look for the best candidates from the UK and, from time to time, overseas, to provide these essential services. We are proud to have an extremely diverse workforce and welcome applications from anyone who can demonstrate the right skills for the job. Any candidates from overseas have to meet the same selection criteria as those of British residency, and they receive the same pay and terms and conditions.”

Allegations of Exploitation and Living Conditions

One of Britain’s biggest bus companies was accused of exploiting its Romanian drivers by providing them with cramped living conditions. Carmen Stroe, 52, from Galati in Romania, said she paid Arriva £100 a week to live in a tiny three-bed house where she shared one toilet with six other people. Two people shared each bedroom, and one slept on the sofa in the communal area.

“We have one bathroom between seven of us, so the mornings can be difficult. I was so happy to come here—I wanted to learn about England. I love it here, and I love the people. I feel like Arriva did not give me a chance,” she said.

Ms Stroe was one of 17 Romanian immigrants recruited through an agency. She claims her Skype interview with Arriva indicated training on one bus route, but on arrival she was expected to learn all 11 routes in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire. Many drivers spoke little English and often asked passengers for directions.

After failing her probation period last week, Ms Stroe returned to Romania. “I came here to make a better life for my family and I don’t want to go home. But I’ve had a bad experience and worry it might happen to someone else,” she said.

An Arriva spokesman denied the claims: “The £100 per week is correct, but we hire houses through a property agent who handles all legal aspects. The cost of housing our Romanian colleagues is in excess of £2,500 per month, covering utilities, Wi-Fi, beds, linen, and council tax. We do not sub-let; we only take a contribution towards the total, which also helps show commitment. The vast majority are happy, especially compared to renting privately.”

Regarding Ms Stroe’s dismissal: “She did not attend the acclimatisation classes and thus could not pass our route-knowledge tests, potentially putting customers at risk. She made no progress, so we terminated probation.”

On the Skype interview process: “All initial conversations were scripted. It was made clear that multiple routes would need to be learned and a good level of English was required.”