Friday 20 April 2018

Uber CEO meets TfL’s Mike Brown for a second time as battle for London licence intensifies


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Uber CEO, Dara Khosrowshahi Met with TfL’s Mike Brown for a second time as the battle for Uber’s London operators licence intensifies.
A freedom of information request has shown that Mike Brown, the Transport Commissioner for TfL, met up with the American based CEO earlier this year in January.
According to the request by Reuters the regulators for London said “"The Commissioner met with Dara Khosrowshahi on 3 October 2017 and 15 January 2018, both meetings took place in London,"
Both Uber and TfL have refused to give details in relation to the topics that were discussed during the meeting.
The controversial minicab app is soon to appear in court fighting for the right to operate in the capital following TfL’s decision back in September to not renew their operators licence.
Uber have brought in a number of changes to bring them closer to what is required by an operator. Whether this will be enough to stop any legal action being taken remains unseen, but unlikely.
April 20, 2018 at 11:20PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Set off to Sussex: 2nt cottage stay in Hastings w/ hot tub & pool from £59pp (sleeps 4)


With the sun finally showing it's face, the British seaside is calling, so book your staycation now. You would be hard pressed to find a more traditional British seaside town than Hastings and we've found this smashing staycation near by where you and the rest of your crew will spend 2 wonderful nights. Both adults… GemUK POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

7nt Full board Cruise to Paris, Germany, Amsterdam & Bruges from £409pp (ocean view cabin £509pp)


Pirates, we are loving some of the cruises that are popping up lately and are pleased to have come across yet another awesome offer. This super cool 7 night cruise will see you visit a selection of great places including the one and only Paris, Germany, Amsterdam and Bruges before heading back to the UK.… Lola POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Uber CEO Had Secret Meeting With Mike Brown In January According to FOI Request

LONDON (Reuters) - London’s Transport Commissioner Mike Brown met Uber [UBER.UL]boss Dara Khosrowshahi in January, a freedom of information request revealed, as the Silicon Valley app fights to keep its cars on the streets of its most important European market.


Uber is battling a decision by the city’s transport regulator last September to strip it of its licence after it was deemed unfit to run a taxi service, a ruling Uber is appealing.


Since then Uber has made a series of changes to its business model, responding to requests from regulators, including the introduction of 24/7 telephone support and the proactive reporting of serious incidents to London’s police.


Khosrowshahi flew to London in October for discussions with Brown after which Uber promised to make things right in the British capital city.


The pair had a second meeting in London in January, according to a response to a freedom of information request from Reuters.


“The Commissioner met with Dara Khosrowshahi on 3 October 2017 and 15 January 2018, both meetings took place in London,” Transport for London (TfL) said.


A TfL spokesman declined to provide an immediate comment on what was discussed at the meeting. Uber declined to comment.


Reuters had asked for a list of every meeting which had taken place between Uber and TfL’s private hire team and/or Brown since Sept. 22 but TfL declined to release such details.


“We are not obliged to supply the remainder of the information requested in relation to meetings as it ... relates to information where disclosure would be likely to prejudice the exercise by any public authority of its functions ..,” it said.


A court hearing over Uber’s appeal is due this month before the substance of the appeal is heard in June.



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Error Fare: Return flights to New Zealand from £238 return


We have found an incredible error fare from Paris to Wellington, New Zealand from just £238 return. We've found available dates in November, January and February, 2018. These flights are operated by multiple airlines and may come with checked in luggage and onboard meals as standard. We advise that you take screenshots and/or keep records… Michael POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Ultra last-minute: 7nts in top-rated Crete hotel from £130pp incl. flights


If you're ready to mobilise at the drop of a (pirate) hat, this mega last-minute Crete deal is just the ticket: 7 nights from £131pp including the 3* Top Hotel & flights. This charming hilltop hotel has a fantastic rating from TripAdvisor, so your holiday is in safe hands. Holiday details: Travel duration: 7 nights… jcrdawes POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

IWGB files cases demonstrating “gig economy” exploitation stretches far beyond Uber


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The Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain (IWGB) is bringing employment status, holiday pay, minimum wage and unlawful deduction of wages claims against three private hire companies this week, demonstrating that the problem of exploitation in the UK’s private hire industry stretches far beyond Uber.The IWGB has this week filed cases against London’s self-proclaimed “ethical” operator Green Tomato Cars, Germany’s fastest growing start-up Blacklane and Birmingham’s largest private hire operator A2B.In all three cases the companies denied the drivers, all members of IWGB’s United Private Hire Drivers (UPHD) branch, basic employment rights by classifying them as independent contractors rather than workers. Workers have a right to the minimum wage, holiday pay, rest breaks and the right not to work more than 48hrs a week, among other rights.IWGB General Secretary Dr Jason Moyer-Lee said: “The wide scale depravation of employment rights is not unique to Uber, it is rampant across the private hire sector in the UK. With these actions the IWGB is stepping up its campaign to have private hire drivers recognised as the workers they are and enjoying the rights to which they are legally entitled.”Green TomatoThe claim is for worker status, unlawful deduction of wages, holiday pay and breach of the working time regulations. The London-based claimant regularly worked a variety of contracts for the company, from Uber-style pay-per-trip, to fixed shifts with hourly pay.One of these contracts involved working twelve hour shifts, without breaks, over five days. By not giving the driver breaks and by making him work for more than 48hrs without signing an opt-out, the company is in breach of the working time regulations.The driver was also paid for less than a day of a five day contract, which amounts to unlawful deduction of wages.BlacklaneThe claim is for worker status, unlawful deduction of wages and holiday pay. Blacklane unlawfully deducted a total of £242 from the Glasgow-based driver for two separate incidents, including a two-week unpaid suspension following allegations that the driver had an Uber insignia and a taxi plate on his car. All private hire vehicles are required to have a taxi plate by Glasgow City Council.The driver was also required to wear a company tie and pin at all times.A2BThe claim is for worker status, minimum wage and holiday pay. The Birmingham-based driver was regularly paid below the minimum wage, required to wear a uniform and have six A2B signs on the car. The obligation to wear a uniform and use a company-labelled car would prevent the driver from working for other private hire companies.
April 20, 2018 at 04:14PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Caribbean in July: 7nt all inclusive Dom Rep from £794pp incl. flights, 4* hotel, bags & transfers


Summer is almost here so it's time to prepare for HOLIDAYS! If you haven't booked yet, you've already left it quite late mateys, but fear not, for we have found you a bargain Caribbean package in July from 4 UK airports. You can get a week all inclusive in the Dominican Republic for under £1000… GemUK POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

See 2 cities for the price of 1: Iceland & New York double-dip flights from £238 return


Pirates, New York and Iceland are two of our absolute favourite destinations so combining them into one trip is one of the smartest things you could do -- especially if you can save a bundle in the process! WOW Air is offering 30% off flights in Autumn, meaning great double dip flights to the Big… Niamh_UK POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

All inclusive last minute Rhodes holiday from £293pp - 7nts 4* hotel & flights


Ahoy pirates, fancy heading off on an all inclusive getaway in sunny Greece. The holiday is in Rhodes and you will enjoy all meals, snacks and drinks included in the price. For this Rhodes holiday you will be staying in a great rated 4* hotel, why not stay longer if you wish to enjoy the… Lola POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Harry Potter studio tour & Jury's Inn stay - incl. breakfast from £92pp (1 Child stays FREE)


Alohomora, dear pirates! We've unlocked this great Harry Potter break over at Voyage Privé giving you 1 night at the stylish 3* Jury's Inn in Watford with breakfast included, one Warner Bros Studio Tour per person per stay with 1 child (up to 12 years old) staying for FREE ! From your hotel the studios… Cee POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Pretty in Portugal: 7nt Autumn break from £124pp incl. 3* hotel & flights


Pirates, snag a bargain with 7 nights in the Algarve from £124pp including the 3* Praia Sol Hotel & flights. Go cheap & cheerful by hitting up Portugal off-season. Holiday details: Travel duration: 7 nights (longer or shorter stays possible) Example date: 14th 21st November 2018 Flight + Hotel package from Loveholidays Departure airports:… jcrdawes POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Costa del Sol-d! 7nts Spanish beach holiday from £285pp - incl. 4* hotel & flights


Arrr pirates! Costa del Sol is calling your name! You will be staying at the 4* Ibersol Alay right on Benalmádena Marina just 2 minutes walk from the beach. Here you can enjoy 2 pools and Spanish and international dining, with the popular promenade and all its restaurants, bars and shops right on your doorstep!… Cee POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Sardinia autumn holiday on La Maddalena island from £210pp - incl. flights, hotel & breakfast


Ahoy mateys! We've found this excellent value for money autumn holiday placing you on the gorgeous little island off Sardinia's northern coast La Maddalena. Home to arguably some of the best beaches in the world here you will be staying in style at top-rated 4* Excelsior right by the port! Holiday details Travel duration:… Cee POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

IWGB to file holiday pay claims stretching back 20 years against CitySprint, after company ignores previous ruling


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The Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain (IWGB) is filing holiday pay claims totalling £198,463.37 against CitySprint on behalf of 17 couriers, as the company continues to deny its workers their rights, despite a previous ruling against it.A separate £43,668.86 holiday pay claim will be made against Royal Mail-owned eCourier on behalf of three couriers that were TUPE transferred from CitySprint.The claims, which were filed earlier this month at the Employment Tribunal, will cover a period stretching back to January 1999.CitySprint has denied these workers their holiday entitlements by falsely claiming that the couriers are independent contractors, instead of workers or employees, despite a ruling in January 2017 that said that CitySprint courier Maggie Dewhurst was a worker. In November, CitySprint issued a newly worded contract to describe the same employment relationship as an excuse not to fully implement the tribunal’s decision.The union will argue that the 20 couriers have or had the same employment relationship as Dewhurst and are consequently workers, entitled to the minimum wage, holiday pay and other rights.Claimant in the eCourier case and IWGB Vice-President Maggie Dewhurst said: “Going on holiday is becoming increasingly difficult for couriers because, while our costs continue when we are not working, our pay stops. So despite the myth peddled by employers that gig economy jobs are flexible, many of us are spending more time at work than full-time employees. That’s why with this case we are not only trying to claim back what we are owed, but securing paid holidays going forward.”IWGB General Secretary Dr Jason Moyer-Lee said: “For most workers booking your holiday requires filling out a form and a sign-off from your manager, at CitySprint it requires an employment tribunal every time. The fact that CitySprint can get away with this makes an absolute mockery of the UK employment law regime.”
April 20, 2018 at 09:30AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Trendy Prague 4* design hotel from just £33pp per night (flights starting from £29)


Ahoy mateys! Prague is up next, and today we've found the stylish, bold and fun 4* Pentahotel situated a short walk from the picturesque Old Town. Offering a host of top-amenities in a luxurious yet relaxed setting, including a bar and restaurant, here you can let your inner child out at the pool table or… Cee POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Taxi Charity attends official launch of DMRC Benevolent Fund at Headley Court


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The Taxi Charity is proud to support the DMRC Benevolent Fund and to have attended the official launch of the charity at Headley Court earlier this week.
Two iconic taxis were at the launch event showing off the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre's new Benevolent Fund logo. Also at the event was the Commanding Officer of Headley Court Group Captain Teresa Griffiths OBE and other members of Headley Court staff.
Captain Griffiths OBE, said: “I am very pleased to welcome the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans to Hedley Court, and thank them personally for all they do for our veterans and the support they are now giving to the DMRC Headley Court Benevolent Fund.“
April 20, 2018 at 08:34AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Rural 4* Italy escape 2nts from £160pp - incl. top-rated hotel w/ spa, flights, breakfast & car


Ahoy mateys! Umbria is known as Italy's green heart in the rural countryside, boasting loads of old cultural sights, great wining and dining and a world renowned chocolate factory, to name only a few things. We've laid eyes on the chic 4* Villa di Monte Solare, a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World,… Cee POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Thursday 19 April 2018

4* hotel w/ pool from £29pppn *location great for Legoland or Heathrow*


Pirates, if you're looking for a hotel stay in the Windsor area, check out the 4* Copthorne Hotel Slough - Windsor from only £29pppn. Well situated for Legoland or Heathrow airport, the hotel is also a nice stay in itself, with a pool & sauna on-site. Offer Details: Many travel durations possible - 1 night… jcrdawes POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Last minute Menorca group getaway from £196pp - 7nts hotel & flights (couples from £226pp)


Ahoy there, the Balearic Islands are up next and we have found a holiday in Menorca staying at a great rated and award winning hotel for you and your favourite mateys. The holiday is departing in May but if you would prefer to go later, there are great prices when the busy Summer months are… Lola POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT