Driverless Uber rollout sparks MPs concern over worker consultation and potential for future job loses
- Perry Richardson
- 6 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Plans by Uber to introduce driverless taxis on UK roads later this year have drawn political scrutiny, with concerns raised in Parliament over a lack of consultation with drivers and potential job losses across the sector.
During a Business of the House session on 23 April, Clive Efford warned that the planned rollout, expected to begin in September following government approval for autonomous vehicle deployment, could mirror controversial employment practices seen in other industries. Efford said drivers fear they are being excluded from discussions about how the transition to automation will affect their livelihoods.
Efford drew a direct comparison with the actions of P&O Ferries, which dismissed hundreds of staff without notice in 2022. He called for a statement from the Department for Transport and cautioned against policies that could enable companies to replace workers without adequate safeguards.
Efford said: “In September, Uber intends to roll out driverless taxis on UK roads, after the Government gave permission to companies to put driverless vehicles on our roads. This is causing concern among Uber drivers, who feel they are not being consulted by their employers about the impact it might have on their future employment.
“My right hon. Friend will recall P&O Ferries sacking its staff without notice and taking on foreign agency staff. There is very little difference with what Uber seems to be doing with its staff over the roll-out of driverless vehicles. May we have a statement from the Department for Transport? We do not want the Government featherbedding the sacking of existing staff in the way that P&O Ferries treated its staff in 2022.”
The intervention highlights growing unease within the private hire sector, where drivers have already faced earnings pressure linked to platform commission structures and increased competition. Industry stakeholders are now assessing how automation could reshape demand for workers, fleet ownership models and regulatory frameworks.
MPs raise fears over employment impact as autonomous vehicles move closer to UK roads
Responding on behalf of the Government, Alan Campbell acknowledged the concerns raised by drivers and MPs. He said the Government would expect companies to engage with their workforce during such transitions.
Campbell said: “We certainly do not. I understand my hon. Friend’s concerns and the concerns of Uber drivers. Of course, we would want to see companies consult with their employees and hopefully give them reassurance going forward, but I will take up his concerns directly with Ministers to ensure that we are doing everything we can to get ahead of this particular game.”
The exchange comes as the UK moves closer to commercial deployment of autonomous vehicles, following legislative and regulatory steps aimed at enabling self-driving technology. While supporters argue that automation could improve safety and efficiency, the pace of adoption and its workforce implications remain contentious.
For private hire operators and vehicle fleet owners, the shift presents both opportunity and risk. Autonomous vehicles could reduce long-term costs attached to the driver workforce and increase utilisation rates, but the transition phase may require parallel investment in both human-driven and driverless services. Insurance, liability frameworks and public acceptance are also unresolved factors influencing rollout timelines.
