Glasgow taxi union highlights free SVQ training as industry battles driver shortages and rising entry costs
- Perry Richardson
- 6 hours ago
- 2 min read
The Glasgow Cab Section of Unite the Union has highlighted a recruitment campaign offering prospective taxi drivers free Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ) training, a qualification typically required as part of the taxi licensing process in many Scottish local authority areas.
The advertisement features the message “Become a Taxi Driver” and promotes “FREE SVQ TRAINING”, with a stated normal cost of £450. The offer is available through the union’s cab section and is subject to limited numbers, with union membership required to participate.
The advert reflects a wider issue affecting the taxi industry across Scotland and the UK. Many areas continue to report difficulties recruiting new licensed drivers following a significant reduction in driver numbers since the COVID-19 pandemic.
During lockdown periods, many drivers left the trade permanently due to prolonged reductions in demand and uncertainty around future earnings. A sizeable proportion have since retired or moved into alternative sectors including delivery, logistics and private transport services.
A new recruitment drive by Unite’s Glasgow Cab Section is offering free taxi driver training worth £450, highlighting the growing challenge of attracting new drivers into Scotland’s licensed taxi trade.
For new entrants, the cost of becoming licensed can present a significant barrier. Depending on the local authority, applicants may need to pay for medical examinations, background checks, licensing fees, topographical testing, training courses and vehicle-related costs.
In Scotland, the SVQ qualification forms part of the professional competency requirements for many taxi drivers, making it an additional upfront expense before a driver can begin earning.
By removing the £450 training cost, Unite is attempting to lower one of those barriers. The union has historically represented licensed taxi drivers across Scotland and has been involved in campaigning on issues including rank provision, vehicle regulations, licensing policy and competition from app-based operators.
The recruitment campaign arrives at a time when many taxi trades continue to face a delicate balancing act between attracting new entrants and maintaining service levels. Industry representatives have repeatedly argued that reducing unnecessary barriers to entry while maintaining professional standards will be essential if the sector is to rebuild driver numbers over the coming years.
