TransPennine Express staff volunteer with women's employment charity in Manchester

A dozen volunteers from train operator TransPennine Express (TPE) spent the day lending a hand at a women’s employment charity in Manchester.

Smart Works Greater Manchester is a charity that provides free clothing and interview coaching to unemployed women in advance of their interview.

On the news that they have been successful at interview, they will be invited back to receive additional items of clothing, all free and to keep, to build up a capsule wardrobe.

The TPE team helped tidy wardrobes, sort stock and steamed items ready for clients to wear at the charity’s Manchester centre.

Harriet Harbridge, Diversity & Inclusion Manager at TransPennine Express, said: “We want to give back to the communities we serve, and this was an opportunity for us to do that.

And as part of an industry that is traditionally male dominated, we want to be able to inspire and empower women, no matter their circumstances.”

Another staff volunteering day is planned with Smart Works later in the year.

TPE was also recently among rail operators teaming up to support women after they have had career breaks – or just want to try something new.

Through a partnership with Women in Rail, ‘Never Mind the Gap’ provides training and work placements for women who want to ‘change track’ after a period away from the workplace.

Due to maternity, women take more career breaks than men do, and this is one of the main drivers of the persistent gender pay gap.

Over a two-week stint TPE and Northern, as well as Network Rail, and London North Eastern Railway (LNER) provided free training to show women how rewarding working in rail can be.