Scottish bus company ditches 'employee director' post
It added: 'As the UK bus and rail industries enter a period of significant change and we restructure the group accordingly, the board has reviewed the framework for engaging with colleagues and providing employee feedback to the board.
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'Going forward, in place of an employee director, the group will have a designated non-executive director. Following the group's AGM, Myrtle Dawes will be the designated non-executive director to ensure that the voice of the workforce is heard in the boardroom.'
Lena Wilson, who chairs FirstGroup, said: 'I would like to express my thanks on behalf of the group and the workforce to Ant for his contribution to the board over the last five years and the insights he has provided. I look forward to working with Myrtle in her new role to ensure the board continues to be well briefed on the views of colleagues when taking decisions.'
FirstGroup earlier this week highlighted the success of its Lumo trains between Edinburgh and London as it plans a major expansion of services linking Scottish cities with England.
The company reported underlying pre-tax profits of £222.8 million in the 52 weeks to March 29, up from £204.3m in the prior financial year.
Profits at First Bus rose by £12.4m to £96m. First Rail's profits increased by £5.5m to £148.8m.
Chief executive officer Graham Sutherland said: 'I am pleased to report another positive set of results for our 2025 financial year. We have further strengthened our businesses and continued to deliver against our strategy, including growing and diversifying our earnings in both First Bus and First Rail.
"This leaves us well placed to at least maintain our adjusted earnings per share in FY 2026, from a stronger base, as we continue to successfully navigate a period of transition in bus and rail in the UK."
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