Commons Sense

Hansard-based summaries and metrics

Private Hire Drivers 2022-03-17

2022-03-17

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TAGS
Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Partial Answer
Daniel Zeichner Lab
Cambridge
▸ Context
The question arises from concerns about the adequacy of working conditions and level of job security for private hire drivers. The background includes a broader context of regulatory considerations in the sector.
What recent assessment has his Department made of the (a) adequacy of working conditions and (b) level of job security of private hire drivers?
Robert Courts
The Government support the proportionate regulation of the sector and will shortly be consulting on guidance to licensing authorities on how they might best achieve that, while maintaining high standards in safety, accessibility and workers' rights.
▸ Assessment & feedback
Specific assessment on adequacy of working conditions and job security was not provided; instead, general statement about regulation is given.
Response accuracy
Q2 Partial Answer
Daniel Zeichner Lab
Cambridge
▸ Context
The question stems from observations that support for taxi and private hire drivers was inconsistent across regions during the pandemic, leading to a loss of experienced individuals in the sector. The background includes an assessment request.
During the pandemic, the support available for taxi and private hire drivers around the country was patchy, and many experienced people have been lost to the sector. What assessment has been made of the situation and, in hindsight, what could have been done differently?
Robert Courts
I pay tribute to the sector for how it dealt with exceptionally challenging times during the pandemic; the hon. Gentleman is quite right to draw attention to that. These have been unparalleled and difficult times across the entirety of the economy. The key thing is that now we have one of the most open societies in the world because of the success of the vaccine roll-out. I am confident that the sector and the wider economy will bounce back.
▸ Assessment & feedback
No assessment was provided or suggestions on how support could have been improved; instead, general praise for handling the pandemic is given.
Response accuracy