Taxi and private hire services CANNOT be the forgotten industry during this pandemic says Labour MP

Labour MP for Bolton South East, Yasmin Qureshi, has called for taxi and private hire drivers to receive more Government help during such desperate times for the industry.

Taxi and private hire drivers have been hit hard since the COVID-19 outbreak, and unlike other areas of transport, guidance and help for those working in the industry has been limited to say the least. Qureshi is now calling for change.

Qureshi said: “Whilst the Government has been providing guidance, support and financial assistance to the bus, rail and airline industries, taxi and private hire drivers feel as if they are in the forgotten industry.

“As a result of their work and backgrounds, taxi and private hire drivers have one of the highest coronavirus death rates of any profession, higher even than care home workers. Indeed, taxi drivers and chauffeurs have been dying at a rate of 36.4 people per 100,000.

“This industry desperately needs specific guidance and support from the Government, and the resources necessary to ensure that drivers and passengers can stay safe and healthy.

“I have written to both the Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, and the Secretary of State for Transport, Grant Shapps, and raised this issue with them. You can see copies of these letters below.”

Qureshi concluded by stressing: “Taxi and private hire services cannot be the forgotten industry during this pandemic.”

Image credit: Ross Campbell/Yasmin Qureshi