Unite Wales welcomes Government decision to DOUBLE GRANT taxi driver funding to £1,000

Unite Wales has welcomed the decision by Welsh government to double the grant funding available to taxi drivers to cover their loss of income over the festive period.

There is also ‘relief’ that current COVID restrictions imposed in Wales will soon be dropped to allow the taxi industry to begin its recovery.

Taxi drivers will be able to claim up to £1,000 if their takings were reduced by 50%, making the grant more accessible for the many who need it. The grant available has been raised from an initial figure of £500.

Unite Regional Officer, Alan McCarthy, said: “Taxi drivers across Wales will breathe a little easier with this increase in financial support which Unite has achieved through constructive dialogue with Welsh government.

"With the restrictions in place, income opportunities for drivers were severely impacted. So much of the taxi trade relies on the hospitality sector. The Christmas and New Year period has always been a key time for the trade in Wales, and the earnings they make have to see them through the historically leaner times in January until they get to the Six Nations.

"Obviously, there’s also much relief amongst our members that we are now in a position to lift restrictions ahead of the tournament. Drivers are hopeful that the trade can finally start to recover.”