A GLASGOW private car hire firm has moved to help its drivers during the coronavirus crisis by reducing the fees they pay.

Network Private Hire said “during these unprecedented and difficult times” it has taken steps to assist drivers and their families by reducing driver’s subscription fees by up to 32 per cent until further notice.

The company also said in a statement: “The health and safety of our drivers and customers is our top priority. We ask that you download the app and pay by card wherever possible.

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“We are diligently following guidance and best practices from the NHS and UK Government, amongst others.

“Our focus is to ensure partner drivers can provide a first class service to our customer base into the headwind.

“We are the first to take such measure within our industry which will support drivers and protect our internal staff."

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It claimed that “Network contributes substantial VAT receipts to the revenue for public spending including the NHS” at a time when some firms do not, adding: “These loopholes in our tax system must be resolved to level the playing field for all smaller companies to survive. Again we would like to thank all our staff, drivers and customers during these trying times.

“Most of all thank you to the NHS doctors, nurses, police and fire departments who keep our country moving in these difficult times.”

It added: “Our reasoning behind the reductions to subscription fees is too assist our driver financially during this crisis as much we can.”

United Private Hire Drivers, the independent trade body for private hire drivers, hailed the move, adding: “This will help lighten the costs, but it’s still an uphill battle for drivers with decreasing jobs available.”