£50 IS A ‘GOOD’ SHIFT: Research shows desperate state of Scottish taxi trade
Taxi drivers in Scotland declare making £50 as a ‘GOOD’ day despite regularly working more than 15-hour day shifts during the pandemic.
Unite Scotland has released findings from a survey involving hundreds of taxi drivers across Scotland which confirms the hardship faced by many drivers.
An online survey of over 200 taxi drivers has revealed the devastating impact on the trade with many harrowing stories from drivers who are struggling to financially survive.
According to the union many drivers are regularly working 16-17-hour days with a shift being determined as having been ‘good’ if they clear £50.
The Unite Scotland survey shows that 30% of drivers have been unable to access any financial help from government support schemes. For those that have been able to access financial help from government:
37% report that it represents less than 25% of their average earnings.
18% report that it represents between 25% - 50% of their average earnings.
20% report that it represents between 50% - 75% of their average earnings.
25% report that it represents over 75% of average earnings.
Unite Scotland have been demanding the Scottish Government adopt similar targeted schemes such as in Northern Ireland and Wales to support the taxi trade. In Northern Ireland, eligible taxi drivers can get a £1,500 grant as part of a £19million support fund.
The trade union is also asking that the £30million discretionary fund announced by the First Minister Nicola Sturgeon on 17 November for local authorities be released immediately in order to provide support for businesses and taxi drivers.
Unite Scotland criticised ‘loopholes’ in a number of Scottish and UK Government schemes which have led to drivers being unable to access financial support, which the survey findings substantiate because they do not have rateable premises or operate business bank accounts.
If drivers are not in receipt of Universal Credit or legacy benefits then they are also ineligible for the £500 self-isolation support grant.
Since the survey was released the Scottish Government announced last week a new direct £19million fund to financially assist taxi drivers during the coronavirus pandemic.
The announcement comes after discussions with business groups and will deliver vital help to a wide range of sectors which includes taxi drivers, arts venues, travel agents and more.
More details on that package will be announced in the coming days and businesses can expect to apply for the new grant schemes in January.
Pat Rafferty, Unite Scottish Secretary, said: “The stories shared by taxi drivers in our survey is heartbreaking and clearly shows a trade in crisis. The reality is behind the figures there are workers and families across Scotland who are in despair.
“Taxi drivers are reporting on average around an 80 per cent income reduction with nearly a third having been unable to access any government financial. With lockdowns continuing across the nation during what is traditionally the busiest time of the year at Christmas and New Year it’s clear that greater support is urgently needed.”
