Like father – like son, the proverb goes and at travel firm Stagecoach, workers are keeping it in the family.
In the run-up to Father’s Day on Sunday, Craig Sadler, 55, talks about how he encouraged his son Jayson to jump on board.
Based at the Carlisle depot, Craig joined Stagecoach seven-and-a-half years ago.
When Jayson had his hours cut at his last place of work, Craig said: He said: “I recommended it to Jayson. I love the job. It’s the people.
“The other drivers make you feel welcome and you get to know your regular passengers and have a blather.
“For some pensioners who live alone, it might be the only chance they get to speak to someone that day.”
Jayson, 27, said: “I like the fact that you’re your own boss. Once you’re out on the road, there’s nobody looking over your shoulder telling you what to do.”
Craig and Jayson work different shifts, so rarely see each other at work, but they compare notes when they’re at home.
Jayson added: “We do talk about work. Whether it’s funny stories, grumbles about the traffic or diversions, it’s good to be able to talk to someone who understands the job.”
And Craig Irving, 40, who has driven for Stagecoach for 11 years, saw his dad George Lahey follow him on to the buses.
George, 58, said: “When my last job finished, I asked Craig if there were any vacancies at Stagecoach and he got me an application form.
“I’ve been here six years now and I love it. People rely on the bus, it’s an essential service. It’s good to do a job where you’re doing something for the public.
“It’s not for everyone. You have to be patient, polite to people and be able to keep calm under pressure.
“But I love it and it’s nice being able to see my son at work – I’m not sure whether he thinks the same about seeing me though.”
Craig said: “I wasn’t 100 per cent sure about dad coming at first but it’s okay. He joins in the banter at the depot. I always say I am the better driver though as I am more experienced than him!”
