UNION bosses are backing calls for Glasgow’s bus services to be taken into public control amid fears over job losses.

Unite the union, which represents bus drivers in the city, has welcomed Glasgow City Council’s decision to look into public ownership after First Group announced it could sell its UK bus division.

Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT), which runs the Glasgow Subway, has confirmed it is in talks with the council.

Unite has concerns over bus drivers’ futures if First Bus is sold to the highest private bidder.

In recent years, the union has promoted its ‘Haud the Bus’ campaign, which called for local services to be saved through public ownership.

“Unite welcomes any initiative that brings Glasgow buses back into public ownership and control,” said Wendy Dunsmore, the union’s regional industrial officer. “We have been campaigning around this issue for some time now.

“First Bus Glasgow drivers are concerned that as this is a profitable company, perhaps the most profitable in the First Group portfolio, that they will sell to the highest bidder.

“This may result in the less profitable routes being removed, which will impact communities and those more vulnerable in society as well as job losses for workers.”

Campaign group Get Glasgow Moving, which launched a petition demanding the council considered public control, say central and local government subsidies given to private bus companies could be used to bring back public ownership. Members quoted Transport Scotland figures which show the bus industry received almost £300 million from governments across the country in 2017/18. They say public ownership “improves services and saves money”.

“Glasgow’s buses need to be brought back into public ownership so that we can properly regulate, plan and integrate our public transport network to reach all corners of the region and ensure that fares are affordable for everyone,” campaigner Rebecca Menzies said.

“If everyone can get around easily, affordably, reliably and sustainably it will benefit the economy, address inequality and social isolation and reduce congestion, toxic air pollution and cut carbon emissions.”

Green Party councillor Dr Martin Bartos, who is also chairman of SPT, told a full council meeting “successful progress” relied on working with neighbouring local authorities. He added regional transport funding “needs to be solved by those at Holyrood on our behalf” if “practical” and “long-term” action is to be taken.

First Group says it continues to operate its services as usual, “demonstrating our commitment to our customers through the service we offer them”.