Rotherham Bus Operator Offers Job Opportunities for Former Staff at CF Booth

It’s always tough news when a local business runs into trouble, especially one that’s been a big part of the community for years. The recent collapse of the Rotherham scrap metal recycling firm, CF Booth, is a serious blow for the area, leaving many skilled and hard-working people wondering what’s next. But in a heartening show of community spirit, another major local employer, Stagecoach Yorkshire, has stepped forward to offer a helping hand, extending job opportunities to those affected by the closure. This news, which came to light on February 26, 2026, provides a glimmer of hope during a very uncertain time for many families in the region.

A tough blow for the local community

The collapse of CF Booth is a significant event. This wasn't just any company; it was previously one of the largest metal recycling companies in all of Europe. When a business of that size enters administration, the ripple effects are felt throughout the town and beyond. The immediate impact is, of course, on the employees. An estimated 114 jobs have been lost, with the futures of another 54 still hanging in the balance. That’s a lot of people suddenly facing uncertainty, through no fault of their own. It’s the sort of news that affects not just the individuals but the entire local economy, from the corner shop to the pub. These employees are specialists, with years of experience and a strong work ethic, and their sudden availability is a huge loss for one industry but potentially a massive gain for another.

A local employer steps up

Fortunately, the story doesn't end there. Stagecoach Yorkshire, one of the region’s biggest bus operators, has made a public offer to the former staff of CF Booth. Recognising that a wealth of local talent is now available, the bus operator is encouraging them to apply for positions within its network. Stagecoach is a huge employer in this part of the world, with approximately 1,170 colleagues already on its team. It’s not just a faceless corporation; it has deep roots in the community. With a major, award-winning depot in Rawmarsh, as well as other depots in Barnsley, Chesterfield, and two in Sheffield, it’s a familiar name on the streets and a stable presence in the local jobs market. By making this open offer, Stagecoach is showing a real commitment to the people of the Rotherham and Sheffield region, providing a potential lifeline when it’s needed most.

More than just driving a bus

For anyone thinking a job at a bus company is just about driving, there's a lot more to it. Stagecoach Yorkshire has a variety of roles available across different departments. Of course, there are driving positions, which are the lifeblood of the service, but there are also crucial jobs in engineering, support, and cleaning. The engineers are the ones who keep the fleet safe and on the road, while the support staff handle everything from scheduling to customer service, and the cleaning teams ensure every journey is a pleasant one. It’s a massive team effort.

Dawn Murphy, the Operations Manager for Stagecoach Yorkshire in Rawmarsh, said,

“The reality is that in a terrible situation like the collapse of CF Booth, an awful lot of hard-working and talented people get caught up through no fault of their own. We would like to offer them the possibility of a new start and a new career.”

This sentiment is echoed by the company's leadership, who stress that they're looking for a certain kind of person, not just a specific set of skills. Matt Kitchin, the Managing Director of Stagecoach Yorkshire, explained what they look for in a colleague:

“If you are someone who takes pride in offering outstanding service to customers, then you could certainly be the right person for us. If you have an ethic of working hard to get the job done, then we want to hear from you.”

A focus on teamwork and wellbeing

It’s clear that the culture at Stagecoach is a big part of its identity. It’s not just about turning up, doing a job, and going home. There's a real emphasis on being part of a team and looking out for one another. Think of it like a sports team – everyone has their own role, but they all work together towards the same goal.

Matt Kitchin also added,

“We thoroughly believe that we are one team – we are stronger together – so we offer training and support in a welcoming environment. We put a real emphasis on the mental health of our colleagues and have Health & Wellbeing Champions throughout our operations – as we say, ‘we’ve got you’. If this sounds like your kind of place to work, then you can find out more at www.stagecoachgroup.com/careers.”

That focus on mental health is particularly important. Having Health & Wellbeing Champions means there are trained colleagues available to listen and offer support, which can make a huge difference in any job. It shows a company that cares about its people as individuals, not just as numbers on a payroll. This supportive environment is backed up by their track record; just last year, the Rawmarsh depot won a Silver Award at the prestigious UK Bus Awards. It’s consistently rated as one of the best-performing depots out of all 117 Stagecoach locations across the UK.