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Sent out to all drivers on the three big Brighton and Hove firms.
22nd March 2016
VERY URGENT
Dear Driver
Re: Immigration Task Force
We are writing collectively to all drivers of Brighton & Hove Streamline, Southern Taxis and Brighton & Hove Radio Cabs on the matter affecting us all and requiring your immediate action. We anticipate that you will already be aware from the media (the Argus, Brighton & Hove News, South Today and Meridian) of the actions being taken by the Immigration Task Force for Kent and Sussex and who have contacted each of the circuit operators. As a result, each of the companies must undertake an immediate audit and verification of the identification documentation provided for all Private Hire and Hackney Licensed drivers on their circuit, including their Journeymen, whether you are a regular or occasional driver and even if you just maintain such a license for a “rainy day” and do not currently drive.
Although to date we have required from you various forms of identification documentation in addition to the production of your UK Driving License, Council License, together with a copy of your insurance and MOT (where applicable), the Immigration Service consider that we need to keep and maintain more detailed records on your behalf. We are now required for you to produce to us straightaway identification documentation as though you are an employee of the “circuits”. Whilst you are clearly not an “employee” of the circuit and we disagree with the Immigration Service as to such requirements, the risk of failing to comply would result in very substantial financial penalties being imposed and which would of course be to the detriment of as all! Furthermore, if you do have Journeymen drive your vehicle, (whether your vehicle is a “Hackney” or “Private Hire”) the Immigration Service could consider you, like us as operators, to be as though you are an “employer” and you may be well advised to maintain the records now required by us for those Journeymen as well as ensuring we have those details. A copy of this letter is being sent to all Journeymen whose details are known to us at the same time as writing to all owners/drivers of “Hackney” and Private Hire vehicles, and so that none of us can fall foul of these requirements of the Immigration Service.
We think you will have appreciated the seriousness with which we as operators take the action of the Immigration Service and of their requirements and the urgency with which there must be compliance. In the circumstances, we have no alternative but to require you and your Journeymen to do likewise and when next coming to each of our offices to pay your subs. If you are paying us by way of direct debit, you still need to come to the office. We need everyone to do so but anyone who fails to do so by 1st April 2016 will face the computer being switched off and if you were paying your subs by way of direct debit the mandate will be cancelled. If we have already been notified of a current holiday commitment or indeed sickness, we will of course extend the deadline to try to accommodate.
The documents that we need you to produce to your “circuit” office are the originals from the attached lists marked “A” or “B”. If in doubt bring with you all documents, you have in both lists “A” and “B”.
We would thank you in anticipation of your understanding and co-operation.
_________________
IDFIMH
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