Lots of openings available… Mandurah Taxi staff Les Hatfield, Alex Brew and Steve Baker.
Camera IconLots of openings available… Mandurah Taxi staff Les Hatfield, Alex Brew and Steve Baker. Credit: Supplied/Jon Hewson        www.communitypix.com.au d446864

Taxi driver jobs go begging in Mandurah

Vanessa SchmittMandurah Coastal Times

“I find it fascinating that unemployment in Mandurah is rising but we still have positions for taxi drivers,” she said.

“We have permanent adverts on Gumtree and other job sites and with all the job providers, and we still get very few people applying.”

Mrs Murray said there was work available for those who wanted it.

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“I think there is a misconception about the personal safety of taxi drivers,” she said. “But these issues are similar in pharmacies and hospitals.”

Mrs Murray said people only heard the bad things and she was very conscious about the personal safety of drivers.

“Driving a taxi is actually a very rewarding position and provides a good income,” she said. “Some of our drivers get an average or above average wage.

“We are flexible and can work hours around to suit the driver. It is a great way to meet people.”

Mrs Murray said the position was perfect for those who were semi-retired, carers, parents or those who just wanted to work a few days a week.

“We now have four ladies who drive for us,” she said.

“Because we are always looking for drivers, it means wait times are longer. With more drivers, we could respond within five to 10 minutes instead of 15 to 20 minutes.

“Unfortunately, when we have the highest demand is usually when we struggle to get enough drivers.”

Mrs Murray revealed her struggle to find workers after reading about rising unemployment rates in last week’s edition of the Times.