Jobs supported by £500m investment into zero emission buses

The investment will fund the build of up to 1,200 new zero emission buses over the next three years, and includes the creation of a new manufacturing line and partnership with Northern Ireland-based bus manufacturer Wrightbus.

The £500m investment for Wrightbus - the largest in the company’s 78-year history - will also support an additional 2,000 jobs across the wider UK supply chain by 2026.

In a statement, Jean-Marc Gales, Wrightbus CEO, said: “The deal with Go-Ahead is hugely significant and represents a huge boost to the UK’s economy. It will support homegrown manufacturing, jobs and skills for the next three years and beyond. We’ve always been proud to support the UK’s supply chain and our Go-Ahead partnership will ensure even more money can be spent securing good green jobs.”

A training and apprenticeships fund has been established as part of the partnership, which will see the development of a learning academy for Go-Ahead and  employees, that will also see placements made available for students with Special Educational Needs and young people not in training or education.