|
Uber has been one of the companies who has come in for considerable criticism, including via tribunal cases, over the definition of its drivers and the grey area of employee versus self-employed in the so-called 'gig economy'.
In April freelancer group, IPSE and Uber announced a partnership with UK drivers using the app, giving them access to illness and injury cover.
In addition to those benefits, Uber has now announced the following features which will be introduced over the coming weeks:
- In-app tipping services
- Paid waiting time for riders arriving late to pick-up point
- Two-minute cancellations fees – down from current five minutes
- ‘No thanks’ button to decline rides
- Driver control to set destination and arrival time preferences
- More control over trip requests
- Fairer rating systems that remove things out of their hands.
Gig economy
Andrew Chamberlain, IPSE Deputy Director of Policy, said: “These incentives provide further evidence that Uber is committed to providing a fairer deal for their partner drivers. These benefits both establish and protect the freedom, control and autonomy that makes self-employment so attractive. Taxi drivers in general have long been self-employed, and drivers using the Uber app are no different.
Advertisement 
“It is positive, therefore, to see Uber improving their platform by introducing these benefits to help reduce the inherent risks of self-employment without damaging the flexibility that so many drivers cite as their primary reason for working in this fashion.
“With Uber introducing these improvements based on extensive feedback and consultations with their self-employed partner drivers, this really is a step in the right direction.”
--
If you wish to comment on this article, please log in and use the Reply button below. Registering is free and easy - see 'Join Shout99'.
-
Susie Hughes © Shout99 2017
|
