Uber drivers across the UK are voicing their frustrations, as rising operational costs and declining earnings are forcing many to question whether the platform is still a viable source of income.
Drivers say that despite working longer hours, they are struggling to cover expenses like insurance, fuel, and maintenance, leading to a mounting sense of financial strain.
Taxi Business: Rising Costs and Declining Earnings
Saadane Saker, 48, has more than 20 years of experience as a taxi driver in Bristol, including six years working with Uber. He describes life as increasingly difficult, noting that everything has gone up in price, while Uber fares have remained stagnant.
Saadane Saker says:
"To earn what you used to back in the day, you're not going to get it, because the fares are really low. What you end up doing instead is working too many hours. Most of the drivers out there have got kids and families."
Uber has firmly denied these allegations, asserting that its drivers earn at least the National Living Wage while providing rides and benefit from "industry-leading worker rights."
However, drivers contend that these claims fail to align with the realities of their daily working conditions.
The Impact of Inflation and Rising Costs
For Daniel Pop, an Uber driver since 2016, the situation has only worsened since the pandemic. He recalls the early days with Uber as "brilliant," when he was able to make good money with flexible hours and nice cars. However, the recovery from the pandemic has not been kind to drivers.
Daniel Pop says:
"After the pandemic, when everything started to recover and all the prices went up, Uber prices were the same or even lower than before the pandemic. Insurance went up, fuel went up, cost of living went up, and we still have to survive on the same amount of money as before."
Drivers across the UK are echoing this sentiment, with many reporting an unsustainable situation where they must work longer hours just to meet the increasing costs of running a vehicle and maintaining a living.
Rising Work Hours and Diminishing Returns for Uber Drivers
Cosmin Caraba, 38, has been with Uber for just four years, but he has already seen significant changes to the platform. He initially worked four days a week, eight to 10 hours a day, but now finds himself working 12-hour days, five days a week, to make the same amount of money.
Cosmin Caraba says:
"It is impossible today to work five days and to be able to pay your car, your insurance, your maintenance and then to take some profit home to pay for things and live a normal life, like normal people. This is all we're looking for, a normal life."
An Uber spokesperson refuted these claims, stating that drivers have access to industry-leading worker rights, including a pension and holiday pay. They also emphasized that for "safety reasons," drivers are not allowed to work more than 10 hours in a single shift. However, this assurance does little to alleviate the concerns of drivers who say that even with these benefits, the financial strain is overwhelming.
Lack of Fare Transparency and Fluctuating Commission Rates by Uber
One of the most significant issues for drivers is the lack of transparency in Uber's commission structure.
Drivers are not shown how much a rider has paid for a journey; they are only told how much they earn. They are also prohibited from asking riders directly how much they have paid.
Many drivers are frustrated by the opaque nature of commission rates, with some claiming that the company's cut has increased significantly over time. Saadane Saker recalls that when Uber first launched in Bristol, the maximum commission was 20%, rising to 25% within a year or two. However, after speaking with other drivers, Saadane Saker says they discovered that commission rates can be as high as 41%.
To illustrate the issue, a short experiment was conducted using a phone to hail a short journey in the city center. The rider was quoted £7.90 for the trip, but the Uber drivers were offered as low as £4.70 – a commission rate of around 47%.
An Uber spokesperson challenged these figures, asserting that the high commission rates are "not representative when averaged over the week." They clarified that the shift to a variable commission structure, implemented after Uber became a "merchant operator" in the UK, has led to fluctuating rates. While Uber’s share may exceed 25% on some trips, it can be lower—or even zero—on others.
The Disconnect: Uber Drivers Seek Clarity on Ride Earnings and Rider Charges
Many drivers are calling for more transparency in the commission process, as they feel they are left in the dark about how much they are truly earning from each trip. This lack of clarity, they argue, makes it even more difficult to manage their finances and make informed decisions about their work.
While Uber claims that the overall commission rate has remained stable for many years, drivers say they are often blindsided by high commission percentages, which cut deeply into their earnings. Without visibility into how much riders are paying, drivers are left to guess about the actual value of each ride.
Growing Dissatisfaction and the Push for Change
As Uber drivers across the UK continue to voice their frustrations, many are expressing concern about their long-term future in the industry. While some drivers are considering leaving the platform altogether, others are pushing Uber to make significant changes to improve their working conditions.
Saadane Saker says:
"We are together. Strength comes with unity."
Nadeem Butt, another driver, emphasizes that Uber would not exist without its drivers.
Nadeem Butt says:
"Uber should know that Uber is nothing without the drivers. It's just an app - but they don't care."
Although driving for Uber may appear to be a solitary job, drivers often communicate with each other, sharing their experiences and frustrations. This growing sense of solidarity among drivers has led to an increasing push for change. Many drivers are now calling for Uber to revise its commission structure, increase transparency, and make changes that will allow them to earn a fair wage without working excessive hours.
Uncertain Future, Lack of Alternatives, The Gig Economy’s Sustainability and Struggles of Uber Drivers in the UK
The future of Uber drivers in the UK remains uncertain, with many fearing that the platform will continue to offer low wages and poor working conditions. Despite the company's assurances that drivers are guaranteed a National Living Wage, many feel that these promises are not enough to address the rising costs they face.
As a result, many drivers are looking for alternative work opportunities, but are also hesitant to leave Uber, given the lack of viable options in the current job market. The uncertainty surrounding the future of the gig economy in the UK leaves many drivers wondering whether their work for Uber will remain sustainable in the long term.
While Uber continues to deny the claims made by its drivers, the widespread dissatisfaction and frustration among drivers suggest that change is necessary. Until then, many Uber drivers will continue to struggle to make ends meet, working long hours and battling rising costs in an increasingly competitive environment.
This article was originally published on BBC News
Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the individual Uber drivers quoted. While efforts have been made to accurately represent the experiences and concerns of Uber drivers, the information provided is based on personal accounts and may not reflect the overall experiences of all drivers using the platform.
Uber has publicly denied many of the claims presented here and maintains that its drivers are compensated fairly in accordance with applicable labor laws and benefits. Readers are encouraged to consider multiple perspectives when evaluating the content of this article.