Taxi app FREENOW introduces unique accident and sickness benefits for the UK’s black cab drivers
FREENOW, a leading mobility and black cab platform, has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative to provide exclusive benefits for taxi drivers across the United Kingdom.
In collaboration with workplace rewards platform Onsi, formerly Collective Benefits, FREENOW aims to offer essential support to black cab drivers using their app.
With over 10,000 taxi drivers currently utilising the FREENOW app, these new benefits will address the pressing need for additional assistance in light of the ongoing cost of living crisis. The comprehensive benefits package includes accident and sickness insurance, as well as compassionate and parental leave.
The accident and sickness insurance coverage will provide crucial financial protection to taxi drivers who may face unforeseen accidents or illness. In the unfortunate event of accidental death or permanent disablement, this insurance policy will ensure their families are compensated adequately.
Additionally, the compassionate and parental leave provision will give drivers peace of mind by offering them a lump sum to cover time off in the event of welcoming a new family member or experiencing a heartbreaking loss.
In further support of their drivers' daily lives, FREENOW is also extending attractive discounts on food, groceries, fuel, and various other items such as technology and utilities through its partnership with Onsi. By providing access to these discounts, FREENOW aims to help alleviate financial burdens that drivers often face.
These newly introduced benefits serve to complement FREENOW's existing offerings for their taxi drivers. FREENOW already provides an electric vehicle (EV) subsidy, designed to assist drivers in transitioning to more sustainable EVs. This initiative helps drivers by offering grants of up to £4,000.
Furthermore, FREENOW has been vocal about its commitment to driver choice. In line with this commitment, the company recently announced that private hire vehicle drivers in the UK will have the autonomy to choose their employment status. They can either remain independent contractors, maintaining self-employed status from an employment law perspective, or opt for worker status. Choosing worker status would grant drivers access to benefits like a national living wage guarantee, holiday pay, and eligibility for a pension scheme.
Mariusz Zabrocki, UK General Manager at FREENOW, said: “The wellbeing of our taxi drivers, both physical and financial, is of the utmost importance to us at FREENOW, and we believe in continuously striving to provide them with the best support possible. We are delighted to give black cab drivers access to accident and sickness insurance and compassionate and parental leave on top of other existing benefits such as EV support, all aimed at supporting them during these trying financial times.
“We are proud to be partnering with Onsi (formerly Collective Benefits) to provide a wealth of unique benefits to our 10,000+ taxi drivers across the UK as we continue to put our driver community at the heart of everything we do.”
Scott, a black cab driver from London, said: "I'm glad FREENOW is supporting cabbies through these difficult times. Having accident and sickness insurance takes a weight off my mind. It's great that cabbies will be able to access compassionate and parental leave to spend time with loved ones when needed. I'm certainly planning to take advantage of these benefits moving forward."
Anthony Beilin, CEO at Onsi, said: “We are proud to be partnering with FREENOW to provide their taxi drivers with these meaningful benefits while increasing engagement. As the cost-of-living crisis continues, it is great to see FREENOW prioritise the financial health of its drivers through a strong package of benefits.”
