Since Voi introduced its first e-scooters to the U.K. last September, the Swedish firm, now the U.K.’s leading e-scooter operator, has created more than 200 jobs in communities across the country. This number is set to double in the coming months, as Voi continues to provide opportunities for full- and part-time employment in its expanding U.K. footprint.
As of January 2021, Voi boasts 17 city wins. Its now instantly recognisable coral-coloured e-scooters are currently available to hire in nine cities/towns — Bath, Birmingham, Bristol, Cambridge, Coventry (University of Warwick campus), Kettering, Liverpool, Northampton, and West Bromwich — providing a sustainable, affordable, socially distant mode of transport. Since launching, the regions have over 100,000 Voi users who have taken over 440,000 rides.
Voi has created more than 200 jobs in these communities since the Department for Transport e-scooter trials were announced in July 2020. Voi now expects to add 200 more U.K. roles across teams, including technical and non-technical positions in growth marketing, engineering, public policy, operations, rangers, mechanics, and ambassadors (on-the-ground staff). Recruitment is already underway and will continue as the e-scooters arrive in more locations.
Voi has been able to buck the no-hire trend that impacted many industries after the pandemic took hold, often giving people who had lost their livelihoods in the economic downturn the chance to retrain and change careers:
- George Cocks, of Brighton, is a new operations manager in Voi’s London office. Previously, he worked in the travel and tourism industry before he was furloughed for two months during the pandemic.
“The business was hit hard by COVID, and when I returned to work, the outlook seemed uncertain,” Cocks said. “This made me feel insecure in my role, so I began looking for other opportunities. I was attracted to Voi, as I have a keen interest in green transport, micro-mobility, and environmental issues. I have enjoyed getting to know the people at Voi, who are all committed and motivated. It is a great company to work for.”
James Anderson, a registered cardiology nurse on heart emergency in Liverpool, was homeless and out of work before he was hired as an e-scooter steward at Voi.
“Voi gave me a new lease of life,” said Anderson. “This was a life-changing chance to get my life back.”
As an equal opportunity employer, Voi focuses on diversity and inclusion. The company has partnered with groups including A Fairer Chance, Ambitious for Autism, Black Young Professionals Network, Career Transition Partnership, InclusiveCareers, and Key4Life, among others, to link individuals looking to make career changes, or those who face barriers to employment, with jobs. The partnerships aim to help those from underrepresented communities secure employment. Voi is also in the process of setting up a Diversity Committee, run by employees, to support a vibrant, equitable work culture.
In addition to job creation, Voi positively impacts the lives of everyone in the regions in which it operates by providing free rides to NHS and emergency service workers via its Voi 4 Heroes program and offering discounted rides via Voi 4 All to students and low-income individuals. As a part of its safety-first approach, Voi also actively works with the councils and police in its partner cities to ensure safe riding and engages with disability groups to ensure the needs of the most vulnerable road users are heard and considered.
Richard Corbett, Regional General Manager, U.K., Ireland, and Benelux, said: “Communities are the lifeblood of everything we do at Voi, and it’s a positive sign for both the future of e-scooters and the wider economy that we’ve been able to hire so many brilliant people across the U.K. in a relatively short space of time, particularly during the pandemic, which has led to mass layoffs and job loss across industries. We’re committed to further establishing ourselves in more regions as we head into 2021, bringing more choice — and more job opportunities — to even more communities.”
The ongoing recruitment drive means Voi now employs over 450 people across 12 countries. Voi is also adding 100+ new roles to its global teams. Interested candidates can view open positions and learn how to apply at https://jobs.voiapp.io/jobs.
