Addison Lee drivers facing financial squeeze as IWGB calls for urgent rent relief amid Middle East demand slump
- Perry Richardson
- 11 hours ago
- 2 min read
Some private hire drivers working for Addison Lee are facing mounting financial pressure as a sharp fall in premium passenger demand linked to disrupted international air travel hits earnings, according to a letter sent by the Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain (IWGB).
In correspondence addressed to Liam Griffin, CEO of Addison Lee, the union outlined what it described as an “unprecedented collapse” in demand from high-value customers, particularly those travelling through Gulf aviation hubs such as Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi.
The IWGB said many of their member drivers rely heavily on airport-related and premium bookings, and the sudden drop in work has left them struggling to maintain income levels while continuing to face fixed weekly costs, including vehicle rental charges of £291. The situation is being compounded by rising fuel prices and broader cost-of-living pressures.
According to the union, drivers are now spending extended periods waiting for jobs, significantly reducing productivity and earnings. The letter highlights that this imbalance between falling demand and unchanged overheads is creating acute financial stress across the workforce.
IWGB warns downturn in premium travel linked to Gulf flight disruption is pushing chauffeurs towards hardship
Within the letter, the IWGB warned that prolonged financial insecurity could affect drivers’ mental health and family wellbeing, with some facing difficult choices between essential expenses such as rent, food and maintaining their vehicles to remain in work.
From a business perspective, the union argued that sustained pressure on drivers could undermine service delivery. The IWGB argue that Addison Lee’s premium positioning depends on a stable pool of experienced chauffeurs, and any loss of drivers risks affecting reliability and customer experience in a competitive high-end mobility market.
In response, the IWGB has called on Addison Lee to introduce a temporary reduction or even a full suspension of weekly rental fees, particularly for drivers most affected by the downturn in Gulf-related travel. The proposal includes a mechanism for regular review tied to recovery in passenger volumes and industry data.
The union framed the request as a risk-sharing measure rather than a full transfer of financial burden, stating that without intervention, drivers may exit the sector entirely.
The situation highlights the exposure of premium private hire drivers and operators to global travel fluctuations, particularly where business models rely on international corporate and airport traffic. It also raises broader questions for fleet-based operators about cost structures and resilience during periods of sudden demand shock.
