Taxi driver's union call for government support during coronavirus pandemic

The union Unite is calling for the Scottish and UK Government to give urgent clarification on financial aid given to taxi and private hire trades

Unite union call for government support for taxi drivers

Unite represents thousands of taxi drivers across Scotland and today has called for clarity on the Scottish Governments emergency funding due to the COVID-19.

The government has announced a new £50m ‘hardship fund’ though it is unclear as yet whether taxi drivers will be eligible.

Unite Scottish Secretary, Pat Rafferty, called on the Government, local authorities and the owners of taxi companies to keep drivers on the road by providing immediate relief saying: ‘It’s clear that there is an unfolding threat to the existence of the trade unless immediate financial relief is provided.

‘As the vast majority of taxi drivers fall into the self-employed category, we are deeply concerned that the various government schemes including the Scottish Government’s £50m hardship fund don’t cover taxi drivers.

‘Also, there is little clarity on the applicability of the UK Government’s loan and credit schemes to drivers.

‘It’s incumbent upon licensing authorities and private cab firms who rent their radio sets from offices for as much as £100 per week to offer what relief they can.

‘This must include measures such as the suspension or dramatic reduction in license plate fees and rental fees associated with private cars including radios.

‘If these measures are not adopted there won’t be a trade in existence next month.’