LOW pay and long hours have caused a desperate decline in bus drivers which is hitting services across Britain, new research has revealed.

Unite has said that 99 per cent of bus depots have reported driver shortages, painting a “highly disturbing” picture as passengers suffer “widespread cancellations.”

The union is campaigning for higher ages for bus drivers, and transport union RMT is demanding they are paid a minimum £15 an hour.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “This survey reveals that bus drivers are leaving the industry in droves due to low pay, poor working conditions and long hours.

“Bus companies have got to stop trying to sweep driver shortages under the carpet and start tackling the fundamental problems in the industry.

“If this isn’t swiftly addressed, shortages will only get worse.”

Unite national officer for passenger transport Bobby Morton said: “The survey lays bare the shortage of bus drivers in the UK. 

“Bus operators must take these findings on board and act before an even greater number of services are cancelled due to a lack of drivers.

“Until the bus operators improve pay and conditions and reduce the long-hours culture then drivers will continue to leave and new entrants will be few and far between.”

Most of those surveyed said staff shortages have led to services being cancelled.

In Sheffield councillors have called for an emergency meeting with operators — and are demanding bus services be taken into public control.

The Department for Transport said it was “working closely with the bus sector to mitigate workforce issues.”