Uber drivers agree average 5% pay rise

Around 70,000 Uber drivers in the UK are to receive an average 5% pay rise following negotiations with the GMB union. Wages will increase at varying rates for different cities, linked to fare rises. In London, prices are set to go up by an average of 5%. Uber also said it was changing peak hours and minimum base rates to help boost driver earning opportunities.

The move follows a recognition agreement between Uber and GMB, which came after the union won a landmark court case to categorise Uber drivers as workers. Uber agreed to pay holiday pay and guaranteed minimum earnings, and drivers will be able to access a pension scheme from October.

Uber UK general manager Andrew Brem (pictured) said: “In order to meet the growing demand, we are looking to sign up 8,000 new drivers in the capital. Minimum base rates will increase in cities 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 access to a pension. This is aimed at helping to boost driver earnings and to help keep London moving with a reliable Uber service.”

Martin Smith, national organiser at GMB, added: “Following negotiations between Uber and GMB, drivers across the country will see more cash in their pockets. During this cost-of-living crisis, which is seeing workers struggling to make ends meet, this is a rare bit of good news. This success shows other private hire operators the way forward: recognise and work with professional trade unions who know how to make work better.”