Jaw-dropping Costa Brava bargain: 7nt holiday in May from £90pp - incl. flights (2-4 share)

Pirates, now is probably the best time to nab a last minute summer holiday bargain; we can't see prices for Spain getting any cheaper than this 7-night trip to Costa Brava from £90 per person, based on 4 sharing. Wow! It's a cheap and cheerful self-catering holiday so grab your mates and enjoy a cheap… Niamh_UK POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Dublin flights in May from £25 return - incl. some weekends (June from £29 return)

Did you know you can get to Dublin from as little as £25 return? Cheap Ryanair flights are currently available on our flights finder, including some weekends throughout early summer. The best value is only from a handful of UK airports but you can, of course, fly from all others for a bit more. Flight… Niamh_UK POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Ultra Cheap New York from £381pp: 4nt family break with 4* Central Park hotel & direct flights

You'll be in good company at the 4* Park Lane Hotel in New York; Nestled between The Plaza Hotel and The Ritz Carlton, it overlooks Central Park and is less than 5 minutes from Carnegie Hall. Pirates can score a whopper of a deal there next January with a 4-night holiday, including direct flights, starting… Niamh_UK POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Just opened: Funky East London hotel from £30pppn - 10 mins from Liverpool St

Take a trip to up-and-coming East London and stay in one of the cities newest hotels -- the Moxy Stratford, part of the Marriott Hotel Group -- from as little as £30 per person, per night, based on 2 sharing, including weekends! This fabulous hotel features fantastic wall art and chic decor throughout, and is… Niamh_UK POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Vegas from £429pp: 7nt stay - incl. flights & hotel w/circus, theme park & casino

Get a week in Vegas this winter for under £450 per person, thanks to some eagle-eyed sleuthing by our deal-hunting pirates on our holidays finder. We've spotted the 7-night steal for Circus Circus Hotel Casino & Theme Park, including direct flights, with cheap dates available on a number of Monday departures in December. Holiday details:… Niamh_UK POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

2-4-1 Summer sale: Village hotels 2nt stays from £70 - hotels with pools, spa & gym

Ahoy Pirates, check out this really great deal Village Hotels are offering, you can stay for 2 nights from only £70 for the entire stay, that's under £40 per night. (We have even found rates at £35 for 2 nights - wow!) You can book stays from 1st June up until 23rd September, why not… Lola POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Subsidising billionaires: “Uber’s business model relies on under paying drivers” say Zoom

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Analysis from Uber in Australia has shown that the company’s business model is dependent on underpaying its drivers.

According to analysis by the Centre for Future Work in Australia called ‘Subsidising Billionaires’, UberX drivers earn well below minimum wage once all the hidden costs are taken into account.They say that Uber’s cheaper fares are made possible because the company is significantly underpaying its drivers.Australians earn $14.62 per hour on average driving for the ridesharing company’s most popular and low-cost service, UberX, the report estimated. This rose to more than $18 for those driving in Sydney and Canberra and dropped to under $11 for those in Perth. The numbers were based on gross revenues generated by a typical urban fare (traveling 10km and taking 22 minutes to complete) according to UberX’s published rate schedule.According to the calculations by the think tank, after deducting Uber’s various fees, net taxes, and the costs of providing and maintaining the vehicle, the driver is left with an average of just $8.29 from that fare (barely one-third of the gross revenue they collect).The statutory minimum wage in Australia is $18.29 an hour and the average wage for workers in the sector averages at about $30 an hour for those working under Australia’s Passenger Vehicle Transportation Award.In their opinion, the underpayment of UberX drivers in Australia constitutes a subsidy paid by them to the company amounting to hundreds of millions of dollars per year; and this underpayment of drivers (in Australia and elsewhere) has been essential to the dramatic expansion of Uber’s market value (most recently estimated at almost $50 billion U.S.).The report’s author, economist Jim Stanford, says Uber’s business model would collapse without the poorly paid labour.“The low incomes of their drivers are essential to the escalation of Uber’s market value that has made some people fabulously rich,” he said. “The company dresses this up as flexibility but the money is so bad and uncertain that it’s only in an environment that people are desperate that this model can work.”The cost of regular taxis are on average about 40% higher than UberX fares.Stanford, who is the Centre for Future Work’s director, said in addition to the low hourly pay, drivers miss out on other protections and entitlements such as superannuation, workers’ compensation and leave entitlements.David Rohrsheim, the general manager of Uber in Australia, told the ABC’s 7.30 program “earnings change depending on what time people chose to log on”.“Drivers know this and the smart ones log on at the right times, in the right areas, and earn the big bucks.”CEO of zoom.taxi Matthew Kendall said this attitude “underlines the callous attitude Uber has towards its drivers which is more akin to a 19th century mill owner than a 21st century company.”“Saying that drivers should play the market not only shows its opinions of passengers who use the company but completely undermines the flexibility which many people operating in the gig economy need.“There are some people at the top of Uber who have become extremely wealthy at the expense of drivers who sign up unaware of the added costs, massive depreciation of assets and the lack of security regarding work: this report is called ‘subsidising billionaires’ and that is exactly what this business model does.“At the same time we know in the UK that because Uber base themselves in the Netherlands for tax reasons, they can pay less VAT and don’t contribute to the Exchequer as people might imagine they do, despite the fact many of their drivers will have to have their earnings topped up with in work benefits.“This is why we always recommend people use their local company: it’s still capitalism but without the exploitation.”

April 29, 2018 at 09:13AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Sunday Soecial Report: Pop Up Ranks, The Pros And Cons.

There's been a lot of discussion about the pros and cons of pop up ranks. 

A few weeks ago, there was a problem with Taxi picking up a fare on a certain App, (who pay commission to the concierge for booking a Taxi using their app). Trouble was there were half a dozen Taxis waiting outside with their lights on at the time.

Drivers who use the app point to the fact that there is no official rank outside this hotel. 

Whereas drivers outside the hotel say pop up ranks actually show a need for a rank and many times in the past, a rank has subsequently been allowed.

This week on Facebook, an article caused a bit of a stir (later deleted) when a driver complained that a driver had picked up, immediately after dropping off at the Praed street exit to Paddington, while there were half a dozen Taxis with their lights on outside the Hilton.

It seems the idea that the Taxi trade are a 'band of brothers' who abide by a set etiquette... has now been replaced by a dog eat dog attitude.

The pop up rank proved to be very effective fight back tool, against private hire ranks (using the satellite office regulation, bought in under the STaN report) that sprung up outside every club, bar, restaurant and hotel, roundabout 2007. 

This trade, this band of brothers, this hit squad....stood our ground and in many instances we won the day. 

Let's remind ourselves of the pop up ranks that preceded official ranks:

Cranbourne Street (Mr Ali's), Stringfellows, Hombre's, Jalouse (Hanover Sqr), Tiger Tiger, Fabrics, Nobu, Novikov's, Quaglinos, Forge/Abacus, Hakassan, Swallow Street, Heddon Street, Brewer Street, Sketch, ToyBox, Victoria Sporting Club, Charing Cross Road, Coventry Street, The W Hotel, Russell Street, Sushi Samba, Toast, The Arts Club, etc...

All these ranks stared out as pop up ranks, the drivers banding together, fighting back at the lines of Minicabs illegally ranking. If drivers hadn't popped up and ranked at these places, the official ranks wouldn't be there today. 

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Witness appeal for cyclist involved in Bishopsgate private hire collision

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The City of London Police is appealing to find a cyclist who was involved in a collision last week.At approximately 6pm on Friday (20 April 2018), an argument took place between the driver of a black TfL private hire licensed Toyota Prius and a cyclist on Bishopsgate.The vehicle then accelerated and hit the rear wheel of the bike, causing the cyclist to fall to the floor.The private hire vehicle then mounted the pavement and hit some pedestrians. One pedestrian was injured as he tried to move out of the way.The 45-year-old driver of the car, from Newham, London, was arrested for assault and dangerous driving.Detective Constable Kevin Summers, from the City of London Police, said:“We would like to speak to the cyclist involved so that we can hear his account of what happened and so that we can check on his welfare.“If this was you or you know who he is, please get in touch with us.”If you are the cyclist involved or if you have any information on this incident, or please call 0207 601 2222.Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or give information via https://ift.tt/uUMqUx.

April 29, 2018 at 12:09AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

All inclusive Maldives 7nt escape from £1179pp incl. flights, 4* beach villa & sea transfers

The Maldives, it's a destination that is on a lot of traveller's bucket lists and most likely, their Instagram feeds too! Our friends at Southall Travel are offering all you Pirates out there the opportunity to enjoy the best this stunning destination has to give with this all inclusive week at the 4* Adaaran Select… GemUK POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

New California regulators decision could cost Uber millions

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Uber technologies Inc said on Thursday that it would appeal a California Public Utilities Commission's decision to classify the Silicon Valley app partially as a charter party carrier, a move that could cost the company millions. A charter party carrier classification is usually used for services such as towncars(high end cars) or limousines, but due to the existence of Uber SUV and UberBlack, the CPUC voted to include these services. According to a report in the San Francisco Examiner, the new classification will mean Uber will now have to pay fees to the CPUC going back three years. The total amount of fees is yet to be calculated. Uber, due to the decision, will be known legally in California as not only a transportation network company, but also a charter party carrier. The decision would create regulatory compliance leading to millions of dollars in unnecessary and additional costs which could potentially harm aspects of their ride-hailing service in California, Uber has claimed.

April 28, 2018 at 07:01PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

California from £479pp: 7nt family holiday - incl. direct flights & Hilton hotel next to Disney

This 4* California holiday has a lot of things going for it; the deluxe Hilton hotel is right in the heart of the Anaheim theme park action, it includes direct flights from the UK to Los Angeles and it has both indoor and outdoor pools for chilling out in and 5 onsite restaurants to choose… Niamh_UK POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Taxi Drivers Rally Round For Knowledge Boy After Horrendous Attack In South London.

Earlier this week, Karim a young knowledge student was attacked in South London. He was approached by group of men, one wearing a crash helmet, and carrying a large bladed knife. He was stabbed twice with such a force, it pushed him off his moped. 

The attackers ran off with his belongings, with one ridding off on his bike. 

Karim just happened to be wearing a very heavy jacket which actually save him from life threatening injuries. 

On hearing about the attack, a collection was organised by Taxi drivers who were appalled by this viscous attack. 

A book was opened for the student Karim at the Astral Cafe, corner of Regency Place and Horseferry Road and a substantial amount was collected.  The collection was presented to Karim on behalf of the drivers by Astral cafe owner Tony Cabral. 

This post appeared on Twitter this afternoon:

We've since been informed, the police will not be investigation this attempted murder any further because (they say) of a lack of resources. 

And yet all this week, we've been hearing reports that a plainclothes police WPC, wearing a red coat with a body camera attached to the collar, has been filming Taxi drivers handling their phones while sitting on the rank at Kings Cross Station. 

She films the keys still in the ignition and then cautions the driver. 

London Mayor Sadiq Khan,Met Police Commissioner, Cressida Rose Dick CBE QPM:

This is scandalous, a joke commissioner working under a joke mayor. 

Knife crime, violent crime, burglaries, robberies, sexual assault, rape...all up under Khan and Dick. 

It's scandalous that they've concentrated much needed resources, raising revenue with easy nicks on Licensed Taxi drivers sitting on a Taxi rank.

THIS ISN'T POLICING, ITS FUND RAISING!!!

How can the Met possibly justify this blatant harassment of drivers then say the don't have enough officers or resources to investigate knife crime/attempted murder.

TAXI LEAKS EXTRA BIT:

Marble Arch, Friday afternoon!

Passengers fled in terror as a person was assaulted on the platform of a busy Tube station in London.

Terrified witnesses said they heard screaming from the Central line platform as people fled the scene.

A police spokesman said the public will be please to know that although we won't be investigating this attack any further, we managed to nick 20 cabbies for leaving their keys in the ignition while using their phones on a Taxi rank. We salute the bravery of the undercover officer who reported these heinous crimes. 

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See the Swiss Alps in Summer: Return flights from £22 - incl. some weekend dates

Basel is paradise to culture-seekers; home to 40 museums and art galleries and a perfect blend of Old Town glamour with modern architecture, visitors could be kept occupied for hours just wandering around this Swiss city on the banks of the Rhine River. We've discovered peak summer season flights to this destination, which is also… Niamh_UK POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Cheap Kavos getaway from £149pp: 7nt getaway in May incl. flights

This holiday will definitely appeal to party pirates wanting non-stop fun on their summer holidays. The hotel -- located in the infamous party town of Kavos -- has a 24-hour pool bar and hot tub. This May, grab your bestie and head to the Greek island of Corfu where you will stay 7 nights in… Niamh_UK POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Group or family break: 2nt Lodge stay in North Yorkshire from £105pp - incl. private hot tub

Pirates, we have come across these great lodges in North Yorkshire that sleep up to 4 and have their own private hot tub (there are some options without so be careful what you book). Grab your squad or family and have a great trip away in Rocklands Lodges and hopefully the weather will be kind… Lola POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

14nt Caribbean escape in June from £654pp: All inclusive 4* Dom Rep resort, flights & transfers

Us pirates are dreaming of the Caribbean! A last minute trip to the Dominican Republic is sure to sweep the summer showers away, especially when you're staying on an all inclusive basis at the 4* Riu Merengue. Direct flights, luggage, transfers and ATOL protection are included in this package. The best value options depart in… Samcana POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

The Suite Life: 7nt July holiday in Tenerife from £290pp incl. flights & 4* hotel (4 sharing)

Ahoy pirates, it can be super expensive to go on holiday in the Summer months, so check out this holiday in Tenerife we have found using our holiday finder that won't break the bank. You will stay for 7 nights in a 4* hotel in a stunning Junior Suite from just £290 per person, based… Lola POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

City Of London Police Appeal For Cyclist Involved In Road Traffic Collision With Uber Car To Come Forward

The City of London Police have launched an appeal to find a cyclist who was involved in a collision last week.

At approximately 6pm on Friday (20 April 2018), an argument took place between the driver of a black Toyota Prius and a cyclist on Bishopsgate.

The vehicle then accelerated and hit the rear wheel of the bike, causing the cyclist to fall to the floor.

The Uber car then mounted the pavement and hit some pedestrians. 

One pedestrian was injured as he tried to move out of the way.

The 45-year-old driver of the car, from Newham, London, was arrested at the scene for assault and dangerous driving.

 

Detective Constable Kevin Summers, from the City of London Police, said:

“We would like to speak to the cyclist involved so that we can hear his account of what happened and so that we can check on his welfare.

“If this was you or you know who he is, please get in touch with us.”

If you are the cyclist involved or if you have any information on this incident, or please call 0207 601 2222.

Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or give information via https://ift.tt/uUMqUx.

               

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Atlantis The Palm 5* family holiday in Dubai 5nts from £699pp - incl. flights, meals & much more

Ahoy mateys! The iconic 5* Atlantis The Palm is arguably THE most famous hotel in Dubai with its pristine beach and celebrity restaurants signed Robert de Niro and Gordon Ramsey, along with underwater dining at Ossiano. We've spotted this family holiday giving you 5 nights in the lap of luxury staying in an Imperial Club… Cee POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT