Driving job 'changes life' after unemployment

Newton Steadman said "I don't have to worry about money any more"

A 48-year-old man has retrained as a coach driver after being out of work for two years.

Newton Steadman got a job he loves thanks to a partnership between his local Jobcentre and a coach operator.

National Express in Plymouth were short of drivers, so it contacted the local Jobcentre for help and found people with relevant experience.

Mr Steadman said the job had "changed my life".

National Express said the new crop of drivers came in with smiles on their faces

He said: "I was out of work for two years, but it was just getting me down all the time.

"I don't have to worry about money any more.

"I can just go out and go cinema or go out for a meal, it gives me the freedom to do what I want

"It's changed my life."

He added: "I enjoy getting up in the mornings and I enjoy going to work and I've never had a job that I can say that about before."

Steve Brocklehurst of National Express said the newly employed drivers like Mr Steadman were "always coming in with a smile on their face.

"It seems to change their life, not just with something that they work on every day, but also their family life as well," he said.

National Express says the partnership it has created with the Jobcentre is here to stay and other companies are being encouraged to give it a go.

Emma Ashman of Devonport Jobcentre said: "We're trying to reach out and engage with new employers.

"It gives customers a new lease of life."

Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride said: "Since 2010, there are 308,000 more people in work in the South West and unemployment has more than halved.

“Newton’s story shows that anyone can reap the benefits and long-term security work offers and our £2.5bn Back to Work plan will help over a million people start and stay in work, so get in touch with your local jobcentre to see what opportunities are available to you."