25% pay rise since September 2021 at Readybus
To help staff cope with the cost-of-living crisis, Readybus has implemented a 25% pay rise since September 2021.
The operator has been hard hit by Covid, Brexit and rising fuel and energy costs. However, the business has not only ridden the storm, it is ensuring all staff haven’t been impacted by the recent crises and its clients receiving the service they need, including home to school transport.
“Without colleagues there is no business and we hope others follow our lead to show how we can all help each other cope with whatever the world throws at us” – Matt Clayson, Readybus
Co-owner Matt Clayson, who has worked in the industry for almost 20 years, says it has been some of the toughest years for coach operators he has ever seen: “The coach industry has been taking a real battering for the last six years, first with Brexit, then Covid and now fuel and energy costs spiralling, partly due to the war in Ukraine.
“We’ve been hugely impacted, but while other industries have been given seemingly unlimited support, we’ve had very little and feel like we’ve been forgotten.
“As a business Readybus has managed to navigate the recent storms thanks to our staff, and as they face increasing difficulties and stresses caused by the cost-of-living crisis, we had to act to help them.
“A 25% pay rise since September 2021 is definitely helping, and it has helped us retain the family bond we have within the business.
“Without colleagues there is no business and we hope others follow our lead to show how we can all help each other cope with whatever the world throws at us.”
Matt continues to hold his coach driving licence and can often be found behind the wheel of one of the group’s 64 vehicles, ensuring he knows first-hand the issues facing Readybus colleagues and also the UK coach industry in 2022 and beyond.
He added: “Times are tough for everyone, we’ve seen a number of coach operators go out of business in the last few years, so we should all stick together to tackle whatever is thrown at us next.
“Our drivers and coaches continue to take children to and from school, on trips and ensure passengers, including those on business or sporting trips arrive safely and on time.
“Business like ours are provided much-needed jobs and we want to continue doing so, but as with other operators and companies, we need to know we’re getting the right support to safeguard those jobs.”
Readybus has been providing transport in London and the surrounding areas since 2003. It works with all industry sectors including education, business, leisure and tourism, and sports.