LONDON – Aug 16 – Uber is planning to attract 8,000 more drivers in London in order to meet the growing demand in the capital. 

The introduction of protections such as holiday pay and access to a pension plan has already led to more than 10,000 new drivers signing up with Uber in recent months, but Uber is taking steps to further grow its driver base in London and across the UK in order to meet the growing demand and boost service levels.

In order to do this, Uber will further increase driver rates across London and the UK. The per mile rate and minimum fare for drivers, which, for example, will, on average, lead to a 5% increase in fares in London. Price changes will vary city by city and Uber is also making changes to peak hours and minimum fares to help boost driver earning opportunities, while keeping prices competitive and reliable for riders.

Andrew Brem, General Manager for the UK and Ireland, Uber, said: “London has come back to life with a bang following the pandemic and in order to meet the growing demand for Uber rides, we are looking to sign up 8,000 new drivers in the capital. Minimum base rates will increase across the UK in order to attract these new drivers, which will be in addition to the 10,000 that have joined Uber across the UK following the move to provide holiday pay and a pension. This is aimed at helping to boost driver earnings and  help to keep London moving with a reliable Uber service.”

Uber treats UK drivers as workers, giving them access to holiday pay, which is paid out weekly, equating to a further 12.07% boost to their earnings. All eligible drivers also receive access to a pension plan so Uber can help them plan for their future. Since March 2021, drivers have received over £100M in pension contributions and £185.5M in holiday pay from Uber. 

Uber is the only major app-based operator to provide drivers with all of these protections, which is part of the reason why we are confident that drivers will continue to sign up.

The Government recently published guidance providing further clarity following the 2021 Supreme Court ruling on employment status for workers and businesses. Other operators such as Bolt have refused to recognise the worker status of drivers, denying drivers who choose to use their app protections such as a guaranteed National Living Wage, access to pension payments, and holiday pay.

New and existing drivers who use an electric vehicle will earn an additional 15% per Uber Green trip in London. The capital is the global leader for Uber’s electrification efforts with over 6,000 electric vehicles (EVs) on the platform – the most of any global city. We expect this progress to continue to accelerate following the expansion of Uber Green to the whole of London – enabling riders to request a fully electric vehicle at no extra cost. Drivers earn 15% more for every trip on Uber Green, giving new drivers an extra earning opportunity if they choose to onboard with an electric vehicle.