IWGB PRIVATE HIRE DRIVERS

Question: Where can I stop to pick up or set down passengers?
You can stop on single or double yellow or red lines or bus lanes as long as you only stay for the minimum time and it is safe to pickup or set down a passenger. You must not be stationary or park. You cannot stop at all at Bus Stops or on the zig zag pedestrian crossing.

Question: Should I opt in or out of the Uber pension scheme?
There is no right or wrong answer here. It depends on your personal circumstances, stage of life and needs. Uber contributes 3% of your earnings and you contribute 5% so 8% in total. Its a good way of saving as it gains interest over the years and is not taxed. At 55 you can get a 25% tax free lump sum with the rest available as a taxable monthly annuity that gains yearly interest. They use Now Pensions which you can log into to view and manage your account.

Question: Can I get my clean air money as cash from Uber?
There are multiple answers to this. Uber’s policy is that you have to use the money to buy a vehicle through their approved dealers, however it seems this is not something that they have to adhere to and there is mixed messaging. If its a small amount, say a few hundred pounds, then we have seen examples where when drivers have harassed them they may sometimes just pay it to them. If its £1000 or more you again may need to push them to pay you via purchase of a car through their approved dealers but you are unlikely to get the cash.

Question: What should I do if I experience an incident on a ride?
It may seem obvious but always try to de-escalate a situation. Always explain calmly and coherently your position on issues such as mask wearing, sitting in the front seat or number of passengers etc. Whatever the incident always call the operator straight away and explain what has happened to pre-empt the riders version. If there’s an assault try to get witnesses. Install a dash cam, preferably an approved one such as SafeSystems. If the App deactivates you or suspend you, call call and call relentlessly the App explaining your experience and escalate through to management. After a week with no result contact the union who can escalate action.

Question: What status and rights do Limb B workers have such as P H Drivers?
A ‘limb (b) worker’ can be understood as a ‘dependent contractor’. A ‘worker’ is registered as self-employed but provides a service as part of someone else’s business. They generally must carry out the work personally, rather than being able to send someone in their place. Limb (b) workers benefit substantially from employment rights derived from EU law, for example: rights to annual leave, protection from discrimination, health and safety protections.