‘TERRIBLE PRESSURE’: GMB Union urges Uber to match Australian fuel support for UK drivers
- Perry Richardson
- 16 minutes ago
- 1 min read
The GMB Union has called on Uber to introduce financial support for UK drivers facing high fuel costs, following the company’s decision to roll out a relief package in Australia.
Uber drivers in Australia will receive an additional 5 cents per kilometre to help offset rising fuel prices, according to the union. The move has prompted renewed pressure from GMB, which said it has already made two requests for similar measures to be introduced in the UK without success.
Eamon O’Hearn, GMB National Officer, said the Australian development demonstrated that Uber recognises the financial strain drivers are under. “This announcement from Australia shows Uber understands the terrible pressure drivers are under right now,” he said. “It raises the question of why they aren’t offering help to drivers in the UK?”
The union warned that drivers operating on the Uber platform in Britain are facing mounting cost pressures driven by sustained increases in fuel prices alongside broader living costs. O’Hearn added that many drivers are being “crushed between rocketing fuel prices and the cost of living crisis.”
Union calls for per-mile payments as rising fuel costs continue to squeeze driver earnings across Britain
GMB said the lack of support risks drivers leaving the sector, which could have wider implications for service availability and wait times in the private hire market. The union is now urging Uber and other operators to act quickly to stabilise driver earnings.
“We’re calling on Uber and all operators to support drivers before they are forced from the profession,” O’Hearn said.
