New Tyne Tunnel jobs for friends and family of staff out of work due to coronavirus crisis

Operator of the tunnels, TT2 Limited has announced a number of temporary customer service agent roles, which are being offered to loved ones of staff, who are unable to work or get financial support amid the outbreak of Covid-19.

On Monday, March 23, Prime Minister Boris Johnson brought in strict new measures to halt the spread of the virus, including the closure of all “non-essential” retail premises.

The first three new Tyne Tunnels employees started their shifts on Tuesday 24 and Wednesday, 25 March, with a further five due to join this week.

Many of the TT2 team have friends and family who are self-employed or have found their jobs suspended as the crisis has escalated.

There are plans to make positions available where possible, over the coming months on a first-come-first-served basis.

Click here for an interactive map showing the spread of Covid-19 across the UK

Phil Smith, CEO of TT2 Limited, commented: “Talking with people, I’m astonished how quickly so many families have been affected, losing their job, self-employed and so not able to work or access government subsidies, or their training or education stopped and their lives effectively on hold. We want to help them if we can because their lives are important to our team, and so important to us.

“We’ve invited, in the first instance, friends and family of our current team to come in for assessment to take up one of the temporary positions available.

“TT2 Limited has always aimed to be a good neighbour to the North and South Tyneside communities and we hope we can help the families of our colleagues while maintaining an excellent service for our customers.”

Daniel Watson, a sports coach who was hired as part of the scheme, said: “As a local sports coach working in primary schools, it was a big shock when all the schools closed, leaving me with no income.

“For the past decade, my mam has worked in the admin building, so luckily I heard about possible tunnel officer jobs on offer. It’s definitely a relief now being back at work.”

For more information visit www.tt2.co.uk