Bus firm recruits prisoners

Convicts from high-security prisons are being recruited to drive buses in a bid to cut staff shortages, it was revealed today.

Inmates of the Hampshire prisons of Bullington and Winchester - which both house some of the country's most dangerous criminals - have been asked for their help.

Company recruitment teams from Reading Buses have already met probation officers at Reading Young Offenders' Institute and prison governors have been contacted. Warders have been handing out application forms to inmates.

On their release, each prisoner will undergo two weeks of intensive training at a bus school before being allowed out on the roads. Some prisoners-will even drive children on the school run. However, Reading Buses defended its decision, saying that there is "no danger" to the public.

Company spokesman Andrew Low said that a strict vetting procedure would be put in place. The company is 24 drivers short which has resulted in major services in the area being cut, he said.

Mr Low added: "We are looking for people who want to do an honest day's work for an honest day's pay.

"We have an extremely strict vetting procedure and will not accept anyone with a sexual conviction because we run school services. The Prison Service is also very careful about who it recommends and we don't think there's any danger to the public."