It is no news that when the coronavirus pandemic began, most businesses were significantly impacted with many having to let go of staff - adding to the growing unemployment rate in the North East. Despite this, Newcastle taxi firm, Budget, during the midst of their own struggles, have made every effort to alleviate the unemployment issues faced by so many.
Budget Taxis first made it their aim to help the people of the North East to secure jobs when they began their recruitment drive to take on 500 new drivers back in September 2021 after many had retired or left the company during the peak of the pandemic.
Budget Taxis made sure to cover the cost of training and all the start-up expenses of new drivers – and even took care of obtaining the taxi license plates from the city council. It was with these expenses covered, that it would hopefully encourage more people to consider working for Budget.
Budget Taxis owner David Singh said: “We want to let people know there is light at the end of the tunnel, and that we’re still hiring. It’s been a tough two years, but if we can help lessen the burden of people wanting to become taxi drivers of the future, then, hopefully this small gesture will help.”
Following the collapse of Energy Supplier Green Ltd causing over 180 employees to lose their jobs, David made further efforts, saying that Budget Taxis would be willing to take all of them on, as he urged anybody who has been made redundant or affected by the furlough scheme coming to an end, to apply.
Six months later and Budget Taxis have welcomed over 120 new employees from all walks of life, some having previously worked in warehouses or retailers, and others having being employed by energy companies that have struggled.
One of their new employee’s is Simon Goodfellow who recently qualified as a driver for Budget Taxis after becoming fed up with his zero hour and temporary contract work in factories. Simon has had no regrets over changing his career and as well as having his training and insurance expenses covered, the new job has seen him making up to £2000 a week.
Simon commented that: “It’s definitely changed my life. Being your own boss, you can’t beat it.” Even with the recruitment pledge from Budget Taxis being successful, the firm is still looking to hire around 500 more drivers to join the company with a particular interest in female applicants.
