CAPITAL NEWS
ADDISON LEE INVESTS IN THE FUTURE OF LONDON’S TAXI INDUSTRY WITH NEW TRAINING INITIATIVE
The number of black cab drivers licensed by TfL is in a steady decline, with the latest figures showing just 17,625 taxi driver licences in the capital. Contrib- utory factors include covid and the extensive training required. To help address this shortage, Addison Lee has partnered with WizAnn Knowledge School, to provide private hire drivers with the Knowledge training at a discounted rate and give drivers the oppor- tunity to ‘earn while they learn’. It’s open to existing Addison Lee drivers and PH drivers interested in pursuing a career with the firm. The training will take place at its West Drayton Fleet Hub, and all materials,
from training documents to videos, and a 24-hour support group, will be discounted, laddering up to no costs in the fourth year. WizAnn has reduced the training to £40 per month exclusively for Addison Lee. The cost to drivers will be as follows: • Year 1: driver pays £30/month (AL will cover remaining £10/month )
• Year 2: driver pays £20/month (AL will cover remaining £20/month)
• Year 3: driver pays £10/month (AL will cover remaining £30/month)
• Year 4: driver pays £0/month (AL will cover the £40/month)
With a suite of services and owned vehicles, Addison Lee offers a clear career path for drivers. With its
courier, standard, executive and black cab fleet on its platform, it can provide drivers with career development and support. Drivers with Addison Lee also benefit from a driver package, including a contributory pension scheme, sick pay, holiday pay, vehicle maintenance, and the AL Rewards package, providing drivers with financial, physical and mental wellbeing support. Keith Prince, Chair of the London Assembly’s Transport Committee, said: “It’s heartening to see the proactive steps taken to revitalise the black taxi trade – which will have a positive impact on the industry and the city as a whole.”
ADDISON LEE DRIVERS REACH SETTLEMENT IN WORKERS RIGHTS DISPUTE
Three Addison Lee drivers have reached an out-of-court settle- ment in a long-running dispute around holiday pay and the minimum wage. The claim was originally brought by the drivers, represented by law firm Leigh Day and members of trade union GMB. The settlement follows a 2017 employment tribunal judgment that ruled Addison Lee drivers are workers, which was upheld by a 2018 employment appeal tribunal and 2021 Court of Appeal case. The details of the settlement were not disclosed. Despite the settlement, more than six hundred other drivers have also lodged claims for compensation. However, Addison Lee argues that the 2017 judgment des not apply
26
to the other claimants. Leigh Day stated that a hearing is due to take place in October and November 2024 to determine if the rest of the claimants are workers and entitled to workers’ rights. GMB estimates Addison Lee’s final compensation bill could run into the “tens of millions of pounds”. Steve Garelick, GMB organiser said: “For seven years, we have stood with our members in this fight for justice. We are proud to have played a role in securing this outcome, which ensures Addison Lee will pay drivers the millions they are owed. “One claimant has a terminal illness and we have lost others during this battle; for them and their families the win is bitter-
sweet. We urge other companies to learn from this case and ensure their workers are treated fairly.” Liana Wood, a senior associate at Leigh Day said: “This settlement is yet another blow to big firms operating in the gig economy. It’s a reminder that companies cannot ignore their legal obligations and must treat their workers fairly.” A spokesperson for Addison Lee stated: “Following the Lange determination in 2017, Addison Lee continued to evolve its working practices to address the issues raised. This was also reinforced under new management in March 2020 when despite the challenges posed by covid, on our return we introduced entirely new contractual arrangements.”
MARCH 2024 PHTM
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78
