Union launches legal action over safety
Private hire drivers’ union UPHD has launched a legal challenge against government and local authority failure to protect licensed private hire drivers and their passengers from Covid-19 infection. The move came after one member died and others became seriously ill after being infected.
The union says Uber and other private hire operators promised to distribute sanitiser and PPE to drivers but have largely failed to do so.
“Industry efforts to manage risk responsibly have been woefully inadequate and amount to little more than lip service,” the union added. “Transport for London and other licensing authorities have failed in their primary duty to protect passengers by not insisting upon separation distance requirements, PPE, detailed safety protocols and driver training.”