Government urged to protect taxi drivers from driverless vehicle job losses, says GMB Congress
- Perry Richardson
- 2 hours ago
- 2 min read
The GMB union has called on the Government to introduce legal protections for taxi and private hire drivers as autonomous vehicle technology moves closer to commercial deployment in the UK.
Delegates at the union’s annual congress, held in Blackpool this week, backed a motion urging ministers to act against potential job losses and reductions in driver earnings linked to the introduction of driverless vehicles.
The move comes as policymakers and transport authorities continue to examine how autonomous passenger vehicles, often referred to as robotaxis, could operate within existing transport networks. Several technology and ride-hailing firms are pursuing regulatory approval to launch commercial autonomous passenger services in Britain over the coming years.
Addressing Congress, Ali Haydor, a private hire driver and GMB Congress delegate, warned that workers risk bearing the economic consequences of automation while technology companies benefit from lower operating costs.
Union delegates warn autonomous taxi rollout could threaten earnings and employment across the taxi and private hire sector
Haydor said: “We hear a lot from those on the right of politics about people not working and relying on benefits, but replacing human workers will potentially push thousands into unemployment and poverty.”
He challenged claims that driverless taxis-style services would deliver broad social benefits, adding: “The gig economy firms present driverless taxis as progress - they tell us this technology will increase efficiency, reduce costs and benefit society, but progress for whom?”
The comments reflect growing concerns among sections of the transport workforce about how automation could affect employment across the taxi and private hire industry. Industry representatives have previously raised questions around job security, passenger safety, liability, insurance and the future role of licensed drivers in a market where autonomous vehicles may eventually operate alongside traditional services.
The debate arrives at a time when autonomous vehicle development is accelerating globally. Companies including ride-hailing operators and vehicle technology developers are investing heavily in self-driving systems, with supporters arguing the technology could improve road safety, reduce congestion and increase transport availability.
However, trade unions and some driver groups are seeking assurances that any transition towards autonomous passenger services includes protections for workers whose livelihoods could be affected. The GMB motion signals a desire for Government intervention before widespread commercial deployment takes place.
Haydor added: “Technology will continue to develop, but workers should not be expected to carry all the risks while companies take all the rewards.”
The Government has previously indicated its intention to create a regulatory framework for autonomous vehicles, but questions remain over how employment impacts within the taxi and private hire sector will be addressed as the technology moves closer to large-scale adoption.
