I learnt the knowledge in 2005 with a local cab firm who has a school. I signed a contract that said the cost of learning the knowledge would be just under £1000 but this is waived when signing contract that says we won't drive for another cab firm within 18 months. After 8 months of driving for this company i was so disillusioned, it was only a small circuit another more established company had the monopoly. 5 other drivers and myself left within 4 months of each other. 2 went to the more established company, 3 went to different companies in a different town but still under the same licensing area. and lastly I left and went to same place as 1 of the others - different company, different town, same licensing area. We all left as there was not enough work, feelings were very very strong about this, i could say more but won't at the moment as this is just the basics. This week I got court summons thru from my ex boss small claims court for just over £1000. Thing is I left in June, 18 months obviosly not up, but I had been looking for totally new job but not easy to come by and interviews take ages so in the meantime, because I was in contact with those other drivers who'd left, I went to the new cab company. Because my ex boss found out i'd approached other firms he took the car that I rented from him from my car park over night without my knowledge. I reported it stolen to the police as I didn't know he'd taken it. He wasn't happy about this. A week after starting new firm it all got too much for me and I quit cabs and went into care work, unfortunately I realised care work wasn't for me so I went back on the cabs to new firm, again, different area but same licensing authority. In truth I'm still seeking totally different employment and have paperwork that shows i've made appplications and attended interviews. phoned solicitor and told can't get legal aid on employment issues in small claims court and solicitor would cost more than the amount is claimed I owe. I intend defending this as I was at the time seeking a new job, and the fact he took my car without my knowledge. Will go to CAB Monday for them to read the contract and my defence, I do want to fight this but am pretty sure the contract will stand - the family that runs the company I was with, although have a small HC circuit in 1 area, have a very large established PH company in another area so they know what they're doing. Thats basically the story, any advice please I really would appreciate it. By the way I'm a 50 ish year old lady, single parent last 7 or so years, not a lot of money and cannot afford £1000
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