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The London Branch GMB-PDBs held its quarterly meeting to discuss ways in which they could best serve their ever increasing membership.The main discussion centred around vast numbers of private- hire drivers who are now suffering hardship due to the
recession,created in the main by greedy bankers and their rogue dealings causing many well respected high street brands to close their doors forever,and the unscrupulous agencies who constantly advertise for drivers despite not having work to ensure that the driver earns a living.These agencies,are greedily snapping up those personnel now flooding the labour market.The number of drivers currently licensed to operate in the capital stands at just over 52,000 and we are advised by the PCO that they are processing up too 900 applications every week.Given these figures it is easy to see that the earning potential of London's drivers is being seriously eroded ,and considering the bleak outlook being painted by many forecasters the down turn in the economy will continue to cause earnings to deteriorate.The committee adopted a motion that a cap is put on recruitment of new drivers and the subsequent issuing of licenses,immediately in order to protect the existing membership and drivers,thus avoiding the situation where some drivers are forced to work very long hours,and in doing so, perhaps compromising on sleep and rest periods in an attempt to survive.Traditionally this trade has been the focus for any one unfortunate enough to be out of work,it has been far to easy to become a private-hire driver,this has not really changed even licensing regulations has made little or no impact on the influx of applicants,you will be told that under current legislation no limitation is possible however with the political power of the GMB this can be achieved.
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