To make £1,000 a week a couple of years ago it took about 50 hours, he says, whereas now it’s about 70 hours – with most drivers needing to pay insurance, tax, vehicle fees and upkeep, fuel, licenses, rent, bills and living costs.
Waite claims that, after the supreme court classed Uber drivers as entitled to workers’ rights such as holiday and sick pay in 2021, the company has reduced fares for drivers to make up the cost.
“I really have to be grateful for Uber giving me this opportunity to earn a living being a private hire driver,” he says, adding that he enjoys the freedom of setting his own schedule – around children aged 17, 19 and 24 – and earns more than his previous job.
“Uber used to be the best ride-sharing app, but over the past two years, things have changed drastically,” Mohammed says, adding that for some rides the rate can be less than £1 a mile – including holiday pay – whereas previously it was often £3 a mile.
“All drivers are also paid holiday pay weekly as cash, which represents an additional 12% of their earnings paid out weekly,” drivers have “the freedom to work where and when they want” and “industry-leading rights”.
