WORKING CONDITIONS
How Uber drivers are getting the upper hand in Britain
Uber’s UK head says drivers have made it clear they deserve more rights and protections
London — Taxi app Uber will improve conditions for its British drivers with changes including in-app tipping, after criticism from legislators and unions for not giving them more rights. Drivers for Uber, food courier Deliveroo and other apps tend to work for a number of firms without a fixed contract in what has become known as the "gig economy". Uber said on Monday it had held meetings and spoken to thousands of drivers as part of its efforts to improve conditions for more than 50,000 drivers. The company promised improvements in July after a government review said those working for such apps and who were mainly self-employed, deserved more rights. "While drivers have told us they love the freedom of being their own boss, we’ve also clearly heard that we need to make improvements," Uber’s UK GM Jo Bertram said. Users will be able to tip drivers via the app rather than just in cash, have to pay 20p a minute for making drivers wait, and the free-cancellation period will be cut from ...
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