Uber to offer UK drivers sickness cover deal

Uber is to start offering UK drivers the option of sickness cover, for a £2-a-week fee. As previously reported, Uber has been facing criticism from UK unions and sections of the media over the classification of its drivers. Uber classifies the drivers as self-employed, but unions including the GMB have argued that they should be seen as “workers”, and be eligible for workers’ benefits such as sick leave and holiday pay.

In October 2016, the London Central Employment Tribunal found that a group of Uber drivers  (who were backed by the GMB) were not self-employed but were workers – but Uber is contesting the decision in the employment appeal tribunal.

Commenting on Uber’s move to offer sickness cover, Maria Ludkin, GMB Legal Director, said: “We are pleased to see that Uber has finally acknowledged they have the responsibilities of an employer in relation to their drivers, who the courts have already ruled have worker status.

“We remain puzzled that they are continuing to appeal the employment tribunal judgement of October 2016, where this employment status was confirmed.”