Taxi and private hire drivers who have received state benefits from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) at any time since March last year will now be eligible for a £1,500 business support grant as long as they meet the remaining criteria.
Business Minister Jamie Hepburn confirmed that the change would come into effect immediately to ensure that drivers on the lowest incomes can access support.
Mr Hepburn warned that UK Government Universal Credit rules mean that drivers could lose out overall if the grant is considered to be income by DWP.