A third of Uber drivers in Scotland ‘ready to quit’ as fuel costs squeeze earnings, say union
- Perry Richardson
- May 5
- 2 min read
A third of Uber drivers surveyed by GMB Scotland are ready to quit after rising fuel costs and lower fares hit weekly earnings, the union has warned.
GMB Scotland, which represents drivers using the ride-hailing app, said members are facing higher pump prices linked to the Iran war while fare levels have stayed the same or fallen. The union said some drivers are taking home up to £750 a week less than a year ago.
The union surveyed 80 Uber drivers and found one in three said they were struggling to continue working. Almost all respondents said rising fuel costs had damaged their income, with 37 percent saying the impact had been significant.
Fuel spending has also risen sharply, according to the union. A year ago, 48 percent of surveyed drivers spent more than £100 a week on fuel. That figure now stands at 83 percent, while 19 percent said they spend more than £200 a week.
GMB Scotland says a third of surveyed Uber drivers may leave the platform as fuel bills rise and fares remain flat or fall.
The pressure is forcing longer working hours. GMB Scotland said 65 percent of drivers are working more than they did a year ago to cover extra costs, with one in five working more than 60 hours a week.
One driver told the union they were “down £150 per day” from their normal wage and were struggling to justify staying on the road because of cheaper journeys and higher fuel costs. Another said staying at home could sometimes be cheaper than working.
Paul McLaughlin, GMB Scotland organiser in ride-sharing and food delivery, called on Uber to provide emergency support. He pointed to Uber’s relief package in Australia, where drivers are receiving an extra five cents per kilometre.
McLaughlin said “The price at of fuel at the pumps is soaring by pounds not pennies while the cost of living crisis spirals.
“Our members are being squeezed tighter and tighter and it cannot continue indefinitely. There will be a breaking point when they simply can no longer afford to work. They urgently need support or many will be driven out of the industry.”
