• The rail industry is encouraging jobseekers in the East of England to boost their job searches by applying for the free Jobcentre Plus Travel Discount Card
• The number of journeys made by cardholders in the East of England fell to 86,300 during the pandemic, highlighting that many people in the area are missing out on big savings
• Over 62% of journeys using the card are taken in London and the South East

South West Bedfordshire MP, Andrew Selous is joining Britain’s train companies in promoting the use of a half price rail discount card to get more jobseekers back on track and into work. New research shows that although use of the card has been best in London and the South East, journeys made using the card still dropped by 25,400 in the East of England since the start of the pandemic, meaning that thousands of jobseekers could be missing out on major savings.

The Jobcentre Plus Travel Discount Card gives holders a 50% discount on journeys across Britain and anyone claiming Jobseekers Allowance or Universal Credit for 3-9 months (18-24 year olds) or 3-12 months (over 25s) can apply through their Work Coach and local Jobcentre Plus.

The drop reflects a national trend which has seen usage of the card reduce by over a third in the months March 2020-October 2021 – with over 62% of journeys taken using the card in London and the South East. With new unemployment figures out this week which show joblessness at 109,000 in the East of England Andrew Selous MP, is working with the Rail Delivery Group and Jobcentre Plus teams to further promote the card. Last year, jobseekers saved a total of over £1.5m using the discount available to them.

South West Bedfordshire MP, Andrew Selous said

“Travel is so important to those looking for employment, however it can be expensive and therefore off putting for those with limited resources. I welcome the 50% travel discount which gives a helping hand to those looking to get back on to the employment ladder.”