Uber to hire 20,000 drivers in the U.K. as post-lockdown demand surges

After lockdown rules eased last month, Uber is reportedly looking to sign up another 20,000 drivers by the end of the year, adding to the 70,000 it already employs in the UK.

Uber reported a 50% increase in U.K. trips since April 12, when British restaurants and pubs reopened to serve outdoor meals and drinks in line with the government’s plan to ease COVID-19 restrictions. The remaining rules are likely to be lifted by June 21, provided the virus cases do not surge again, cited sources close to the matter.

Uber's recruitment drive in the United Kingdom is part of its recovery plan for the business after demand hit the ground last year during the pandemic.

It is to be noted that after total monthly bookings of food deliveries and passenger services reached an all-time high in March, Uber already started offering sign-up bonuses and other perks to U.S. drivers.

Earlier this year, senior judges from the U.K. Supreme Court ruled that drivers should be classified as employees rather than self-employed contractors, as Uber had claimed. In response, the company said that new U.K. drivers will have rights to holiday pay, a pension plan, and the right to be paid at least the national living wage.

All drivers would receive holiday time based on 12.07% of their income and will receive the payout every two weeks.

However, the case lead plaintiffs, Yaseen Aslam and James Farrar believe the reforms are insufficient. The Supreme Court suggested that drivers be entitled to the minimum wage when they open the app, but Uber has only agreed to pay after a trip is scheduled.

The drivers' union believes that the government has stepped down from its duties when it comes to implementing laws and more legal steps will follow to force Uber to fulfill its legal obligations to more drivers, sources cited.

Source Credit –

https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/technology/uber-to-recruit-20000-uk-drivers-on-post-lockdown-demand/articleshow/82310404.cms