Looking to the future: welcoming new recruits in difficult times

Thursday 13th August 2020



South Western Railway (SWR) looks to the future as it welcomes new employees to the railway family.

The travel industry has been hit particularly hard by Covid-19. Sectors like air, rail and bus have had to cope with rapidly changing travel patterns due to social distancing, more customers opting to work from home, as well as the general economic downturn. Many colleagues in the travel sector have either faced being furloughed or made redundant in recent months.

Many of those who have lost their jobs as a result of the crisis share SWR’s values, especially their dedication to passengers. As it looks to the future, SWR has been working hard to find new recruits as the operator helps begin rebuilding local economies on the network.

Nicole Russell (left) joins SWR after being made redundant by Arriva Bus and has over 13 years’ transport experience. She will put her skills to the test as she becomes a Guards Manager at Waterloo – one of Europe’s busiest railway stations.

Nicole said:
“I have a sense of pride in knowing that I can still obtain a job in an increasingly difficult employment climate. I am pleased SWR has seen my potential and I cannot wait to get stuck into my new role.”

Matthew Bambury (middle) will become a Platform Assistant at Aldershot station following 6 years’ working at Virgin Atlantic as part of its cabin crew.

Matthew said:
“I hope to bring the skills and experiences I acquired in my previous position to this role , and I am looking forward to taking each day as a new and exciting opportunity to meet new people and learn more about the transport industry. ”

Kyle Evans (right) joins as a Route Revenue Manager from the aviation industry following redundancy at British Airways. 

He adds:
“Working for SWR will enable me to help millions of passengers receive a quality service and give me the opportunity to enhance services even further."

Sharon Johnston, Human Resources Director at South Western Railway, said:
“We’re excited to welcome our new recruits to the railway family, especially those from other areas of the travel industry hit hard by Covid-19.

“We know this is a difficult time for many, but we’re always on the lookout for great people to help us deliver great journeys for our passengers. We encourage those wanting to make a difference to look at some of the great roles we have here at South Western Railway.”

SWR is always on the lookout for great people to help deliver great journeys for customers, and  more information on open positions can be found here: 
https://uk.firstgroupcareers.com/company/southwesternrailway/home/