Taxi drivers’ NVQs

A total of 350 Merseyside taxi drivers have received National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) in customer service through a project jointly run by general union Unite with the qualification award body EDI.

Unite learning organiser Thomas McIntyre said: “We are very proud of this scheme which is giving our members additional skills in areas such as looking after passengers with disabilities.” Local MPs congratulated the drivers on collecting their certificates this month.

The NVQ involves seven three-hour sessions plus two observation periods. Unite’s involvement extends to Southampton, Bristol and Gloucester and in the last 18 months around 1,600 Unite taxi driver members have received their NVQs.