Published 13th Sep 2023, 16:02 GMT

The Harrogate-based firm, which runs multiple bus services across Yorkshire, including The Keighley Bus Company, The Harrogate Bus Company and Coastliner, made the announcement across its social media channels earlier today.

Posting on Facebook, the company said: “We are so sad to hear the news about Wilko, and our support is with their team.

“We'd like to offer all Wilko colleagues a guaranteed interview for a driving role - we'll teach you how to drive a bus & pay for your training.”

North Yorkshire transport firm Transdev has said it will offer all Wilko employees set to lose their jobs a “guaranteed interview” as a driver with the company.

Wilko fell into administration last month, putting 12,500 jobs at risk across its 400 stores.

The first wave of store closures began this week, including the West Yorkshire-based Morley and Wakefield stores on Tuesday.

On Sunday, branches in Bradford, Pontefract, Wombwell and Woodhouse Lane in Leeds are also set to close, with the remaining stores set for closure by early October.

Rival chains B&M and Poundland have agreed to purchase a number of Wilko stores.

Seven Wilko locations across Yorkshire are now set to become Poundland stores, including Headingley, in Leeds, Hessle Road, in Hull and Hillsborough in Sheffield.

The news comes after a number of offers to buy the firm in full fell through over the past two weeks, including from HMV owner Doug Putman and private equity firm M2 Capital.

Transdev runs services from ten operating centres, with around 1,400 staff.

Yorkshire transport firm Transdev offers all Wilko staff 'guaranteed interview'