Uber drivers on the brink as fuel price soars

A third of Uber drivers are ready to quit after being crushed by soaring fuel costs and cheaper fares, GMB Scotland warns.

The union, representing drivers on the ride-sharing app, said members are paying far more at the pump because of the Iran war while fares have remained the same or fallen.

The union said narrowing margins made means some drivers are taking home up to £750 a week less than a year ago and urged the tech giant to provide emergency support.

A survey of members revealed almost all have seen their income plunge over recent months while a third fear they will be forced to quit.

Paul McLaughlin, GMB Scotland organiser in ride-sharing and food delivery, highlighted the decision of Uber to offer a relief package to drivers in Australia where they are now being paid an extra five cents per kilometre.

He said: “The price at of fuel at the pumps is soaring by pounds not pennies while the cost of living crisis spirals.

“Our members are being squeezed tighter and tighter and it cannot continue indefinitely.

“There will be a breaking point when they simply can no longer afford to work.

“They urgently need support or many will be driven out of the industry.”

The union organised a snapshot survey of 80 Uber drivers and discovered one in three is ready to quit because they can no longer make ends meet.

The poll confirmed how the amount spent on fuel has soared in 12 months. A year ago, 48 per cent of drivers spent more than £100 each week. Today, 83 per cent spend more than £100 each week while 19 per cent spend more than double that.

Two out of three (65 per cent) of drivers say they are working longer hours than a year ago to make up for the extra costs with one in five working more than 60 hours a week.

Almost all of them (99 per cent) said their income has been hit by rising fuel costs, with two out of five (37 per cent) saying it has reduced significantly. One third of the drivers admitted that they are struggling to continue working.

One driver said: “With added fuel costs and Uber lowering prices during the holiday period, I’ve had the worst few weeks.

“I can’t justify staying out for the prices offered. I can’t afford to run the car on such cheap journeys.

“I am down £150 per day from my normal wage and am just constantly worried about earning enough to refuel and support my family.”

Another told the union: “Sometimes staying at home is cheaper than working but I am getting further and further into debt.

“I’m working a lot more hours for less money. Fuel’s more expensive and fares are cheaper. How are we meant to keep going.”