FREE rail tickets will be made available for jobseekers as part of a new scheme launched by train operator Greater Anglia.

Under the Job Track initiative, unemployed people will be offered free train tickets to travel to job interviews and a free season ticket for their first two months in work.

The aim of the scheme is to encourage people to broaden the horizons of their job search by making employment opportunities outside their immediate local area more accessible.

Ruud Haket, managing director of Greater Anglia, said: “We’re very keen to play a positive role in the communities we serve across London and the East of England. This scheme will assist those looking for work and, when finding employment, offers a great help to people at a time when money is tight. We hope it will prove attractive to job seekers across our region in their efforts to get back to work.”

Greater Anglia will offer those joining the scheme a maximum of six day return tickets to attend job interviews at locations within the train operator’s network, and, on securing work, eligible applicants can apply for an initial two-month season ticket free-of-charge.

The firm, owned by parent company Abellio, hopes this will provide those successful in securing employment with a month to establish themselves in their new job, followed by a second month of free travel to assist them in putting their finances on a firm footing.

Greater Anglia operates a number of lines in the region, including the West Anglia route from King’s Lynn to London Liverpool Street which runs through Cambridge, Audley End and Stansted Airport.

The scheme is being promoted and publicised at Job Centres and applicants meeting the required criteria to qualify for the scheme will be able to apply for tickets through the Greater Anglia website at greateranglia.co.uk/jobtrack