Over 800,000 jobseekers allowance claimants will be granted free bus travel across the country in January as part of a new industry initiative, Bus for Jobs, co-ordinated by bus and coach travel campaign group Greener Journeys.

Claire Haigh, chief executive of Greener Journeys, says: “This scheme will help get people on the move and into work or training… In difficult economic times, this new scheme from Greener Journeys will provide a helpful start to the New Year, enabling job hunters to travel around more easily in search of employment, to job interviews with prospective employers, and to training courses which will help them find work.”

The scheme, which will cover over 70% of the nation’s bus routes, is open to holders of a Jobcentre Plus Travel Discount Card, which already allows up to 50% discount on train journeys, and is open only for January.

Neil Couling, work services director at the Department of Work and Pensions, says: “I welcome this initiative, which will support thousands of jobseekers by removing the cost of travel. This scheme is a really positive way to start the New Year for those looking for work, and I am pleased that so many people will benefit from the scheme.”

The scheme has the support of Jobcentre Plus, as well as major national and regional transport operators.