Addison Lee Group chauffeur division Tristar Worldwide has started a 45-day consultation with some of its workers, according to GMB London.

The company is looking to make redundancies following a slump in trade caused by the Coronavirus pandemic.

GMB, the union for private hire and chauffer drivers, strongly objects to Tristar beginning the consultation process at a time when some of its workers are furloughed.

It is calling for Tristar Worldwide to wait until its workers return to work where they can receive the support and facilities needed to enable them to fully engage with the consultation process.

Tristar Chauffeurs employs 377 Chauffeurs and around 100 back office staff. It provides services for Emirates, Saga, UK based Embassies, Corporates and premium customers.

The private hire (minicab), taxi and professional chauffeur drivers sector has been severely hit by the Covid-19 pandemic and may take a much longer time to recover. GMB says it will be seeking to secure worker status for chauffeurs offered future contracts with Tristar.

Steve Garelick of GMB said: "We are disappointed to find our members in this position during one of the greatest periods of uncertainly, not only for the nation but for workers. I find it hard to believe a company would start such a process when staff are already paralysed by furlough.

“Having  union recognition in place at Tristar will ensure that GMB will do all  it can to protect members’ futures.

“I hope that in time those companies who offered cut rate prices to the detriment of drivers and operators such as Tristar, will be seen for what they are and the damage they have done. GMB will always fight to make sure that  workers will be on no less a footing than the customers they provide a service for.”

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