MP raises employment concerns in the House of Commons after Uber drivers dismissed from the app

A Member of Parliament raised employment concerns in the House of Commons after Uber drivers and Just Eat delivery riders were dismissed from the app without any ‘recourse to complaint’.

In a recent exchange in Parliament, Alison Thewliss MP, representing the SNP as Shadow Spokesperson, highlighted the urgent need for legislative action to protect gig economy workers.

Addressing the Leader of the House, Thewliss highlighted the precarious nature of app-based contracts, citing instances where taxi and delivery drivers were unfairly dismissed by companies like Uber and Just Eat without a clear path to contest these decisions.

Thewliss's plea emphasised the negative impact such practices can have on individuals' employment prospects and income, urging the Government to take concrete steps to safeguard these workers.

In response, Penny Mordaunt, the Leader of the House, assured that the Department for Work and Pensions would be informed of these concerns.

The dialogue reignited discussions on the need for an employment Bill specifically tailored to address the challenges faced by workers in the gig economy, spotlighting the growing call for policies that ensure fair treatment and security for all workers, regardless of their employment contract's nature.

Alison Thewliss MP asked the Leader of the House: “Can we have a debate in Government time on the urgent need for an employment Bill, particularly to protect those on very precarious app-based contracts? I have had several taxi drivers and delivery drivers off-boarded by Uber and Just Eat, but they do not seem to have any recourse to complaint, despite its affecting their employment prospects and their incomes. The Government needs to do an awful lot more to protect people in these circumstances.”

Penny Mordaunt, Leader of the House, replied: “I will make sure that the Department for Work and Pensions has heard the hon. Lady’s concerns. We have had labour market statistics out today, and in addition to the good news on wage growth as people progress through work, since 2010 unemployment has halved, absolute poverty has gone down and there are 800 more people in jobs for every single day that we have been in office.”