‘DESERVE BETTER THAN THIS’: Uber drivers raise conditions concerns at Birmingham Airport holding area
- Perry Richardson
- 7 hours ago
- 2 min read
Uber drivers operating at Birmingham Airport are raising concerns over waiting conditions at an NCP-operated holding area, with the GMB union accusing the airport, the parking operator and Uber of profiting from drivers while providing inadequate facilities.
In a statement posted by GMB Midlands Taxi and Private Hire Drivers, the union said drivers are required to wait for extended periods at an NCP car park near the airport before receiving jobs, while paying hourly fees to remain on site. The union alleges that basic welfare standards are not being met.
“Uber drivers have to wait hours for jobs at an NCP car park at Birmingham Airport. The toilets are in poor condition, Muslim drivers have to pray on a cold and dirty floor, there’s nowhere to sit or buy food – and the drivers have to pay by the hour for the privilege of being there,” the statement said. “Uber, NCP, and BHX are all making money off the drivers – and giving them nothing in return. Drivers are working hard and deserve better than this!”
Airport holding areas are commonly used by ride-hailing platforms to manage vehicle supply and congestion, particularly at busy terminals. However, driver groups are increasingly questioning the cost and standard of facilities provided, arguing that long unpaid waiting times combined with access fees erode already tight margins.
Union claims drivers face long waits, poor facilities and hourly charges at airport car park
The Birmingham Airport concerns reflect wider pressure points across the UK private hire sector, where drivers face rising operating costs, including fuel, insurance and vehicle finance, while platform commissions and access charges remain in place.
Unions argue that airport work, often seen as premium demand, no longer delivers the earnings drivers expect once waiting times and fees are factored in.
