Fuel crisis: Taxis must be classed essential service, says GMB

GMB, the union private hire drivers, has called for taxis to be classed as an essential service as the sector crumbles under the fuel crisis.

In a letter to the Department for Transport’s Policy Adviser for Buses and Taxis, the union says the industry was only just beginning to recovery from lockdown and needs help.

GMB members working in private hire transport NHS patients, care and local authority workers, essential school services and are often the only form of transport for persons with disabilities – yet many are now unable to drive.

Mick Rix, GMB National Officer, said:

“The private hire industry has been hammered by the pandemic.

‘Now just as it begins to recover from the devastating effects of lockdowns, drivers are unable to work because they cannot get fuel.

“These drivers take patients to hospital, take children to school and are often the only way people with disabilities can get around.

“Private hire drivers are on their knees. They need help. We urge the Department for Transport to enable Taxi and Private Hire drivers to be classed an essential service.”