Yasmin Qureshi Labour Member of Parliament for Bolton South East
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.
Taxi and private hire services cannot be the forgotten industry during this pandemic.