Uber Introduces Free Childcare for UK Drivers Amid Growing Criticism

Uber has announced a new initiative offering 20 hours of free childcare to all its UK drivers in an effort to attract more female drivers to its platform. The scheme, available throughout 2025, allows drivers to access babysitting services via the app Bubble, which connects parents with childminders. While Uber claims the initiative is a step toward inclusivity and work-life balance, it has also faced criticism from driver representatives who argue that the company should prioritize fair pay instead.

The free childcare scheme follows a pilot involving 1,000 Uber drivers, with 96% reporting that it made it easier to manage their work schedules. Based on this response, the company extended the offer to more than 100,000 drivers across the UK. Uber UK General Manager Andrew Brem emphasized the company’s intention to increase female participation in the industry, acknowledging that ride-hailing remains a male-dominated sector.

Andrew Brem stated:

"We really, really would like to attract more female drivers onto the Uber platform."

Despite Uber's enthusiasm, the Independent Workers Union of Great Britain (IWGB), which represents private hire drivers, dismissed the initiative as a public relations tactic rather than a genuine effort to support workers. The union criticized Uber for not addressing what they claim is the root issue—low pay that forces drivers to work excessively long hours to make ends meet.

The IWGB stated:

"If Uber really wanted to support families, they would pay drivers enough money so that they could afford time off to be with their children."

They further argued that Uber’s pricing policies leave many drivers struggling financially and put strain on their personal lives.

"Instead, Uber’s insultingly low fees force drivers to spend so long on the roads that in many cases relationships rupture and families are broken up."

Uber maintains that its focus is on sustaining high demand for rides, which it claims is the best way to support drivers financially. The company also pointed to the fluctuating nature of driver earnings, explaining that post-pandemic conditions have led to adjustments in fares and availability.

Andrew Brem explained:

"I haven't yet come across an employee survey, including our own, where people don't say that they want to earn more."

He added that Uber’s priority is to ensure a busy platform so drivers have continuous opportunities for work. To improve transparency, the company has introduced a feature showing drivers a breakdown of their earnings compared to Uber’s commission.

Some drivers who participated in the childcare pilot have welcomed the initiative. Tania Naseer, a mother of three, shared her experience, stating that the service allowed her to balance work and personal time more effectively.

Tania Naseer stated:

"As a mother, it's important for me to have my own batteries charged in order to be there for my children."

She noted that the flexibility of hiring childcare during peak working hours had been beneficial, though she acknowledged that increased pay would still be preferable.

"Ideally, yes, a pay rise would be great, but right now it seems to be working how it is."

Uber will continue to evaluate the program’s success throughout 2025, with a possibility of extending it beyond the current timeframe. The company hopes that once drivers experience the benefits of the childcare assistance, they may choose to continue using it independently.