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Taxi drivers face ‘imminent destitution’ as they wait for government scheme

MORE THAN 80,000 taxi drivers face “imminent destitution” as city and town centres remain deserted during the coronavirus lockdown, Unite has warned.

The union said that 82,000 taxi drivers in Britain have reported a 95 per cent slump in income since the lockdown began.

In London, some drivers have reported takings of just £10 after a seven-hour shift.

Unite general secretary Len McCluskey is calling for an urgent meeting with Transport Secretary Grant Shapps to discuss the crisis. 

Taxi drivers are keen to play their part in the battle against coronavirus by transporting key workers such as NHS staff and patients to non-emergency appointments, as well as shopping trips for elderly people, Unite said.

“With most people staying at home, the reduction in trade is so severe that taxi-driver income, in many instances, does not cover operating costs,” Mr McCluskey said. “Many taxi drivers are already experiencing financial hardship.

“Many of our members in the taxi sector have written to us in distress as they anticipate the collapse of their business and imminent destitution without further support from the government.

“At rail stations and airports our members are struggling to pick up any trade.”

Unite had campaigned for parity with the government’s coronavirus job-retention scheme, which will guarantee workers 80 per cent of their monthly income. 

But payment under the scheme is not expected until June, and many taxi drivers are not eligible to claim universal-credit benefits.

Mr McCluskey said the wait for the scheme is “fuelling anguish, despair, worry and family issues” as drivers struggle with potential financial collapse.

He said: “In most cases, taxi drivers would not qualify for universal benefits due to the draconian means-testing of this service.

“Many of our members in the taxi sector are now relying on handouts from the already-under-pressure foodbanks.

“Our union fears not only for the survival of the taxi industry but also for the mental health and wellbeing of our members who are on the brink of financial ruin and the impact this is all having on their families.”

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