‘PERFECT OPPORTUNITY’: GMB urges government to put driver welfare at centre of new taxi and PHV licensing standards
- Perry Richardson
- 15 minutes ago
- 2 min read
The GMB union has called on ministers to ensure drivers have a central role in shaping the government’s planned national minimum standards for taxi and private hire vehicle licensing. The intervention follows the announcement that the Transport Secretary will be given powers to introduce a single national framework focused on safety and accessibility.
Eamon O’Hearn, GMB National Officer, said the union has campaigned for national standards for years, arguing that fragmented regulation leaves drivers exposed to inconsistent protections and a lack of recognition within wider transport planning. He warned that the success of the overhaul depends on meaningful engagement with the workforce and their representatives.
Driver welfare has become a prominent issue as operators navigate differing licensing conditions, varying enforcement levels and the growth of out of area working. According to the union, these pressures have contributed to pay instability and uneven safety practices across regions. O’Hearn said the new proposals create an opportunity to close gaps that have persisted despite previous reforms.
Ministers say the introduction of national minimum standards would address inconsistencies highlighted in Baroness Casey’s audit into group-based child sexual exploitation and abuse. While the Government has focused primarily on passenger safeguarding and accessibility, unions and trade bodies are pressing for driver rights and working conditions to be considered as part of the consultation.
Union says national reforms offer a chance to correct long standing gaps in protection for private hire drivers.
The union argues that private hire drivers form an essential part of the UK’s transport network, often operating without the backing and resource structures that support other public transport sectors. O’Hearn said their voice must be embedded in the development of the new framework to ensure reforms are workable on the ground.
The Department for Transport is expected to consult widely on the detail of the standards ahead of drafting legislation.
Eamon O'Hearn, GMB National Officer, said: "GMB has long called for national standards that provide rights and protections for drivers.
"But the voice of drivers and their representatives must be a major part of developing new standards. For too long sustainable transport networks have ignored the role and welfare of private hire drivers.
"This overhaul is the perfect opportunity to address that."
