Uber to introduce sick pay for drivers, but some will have to pay for it

Ride-hailing tech firm Uber Technologies is to introduce a system to provide its drivers with benefits such as sick and injury pay in the UK after years of criticism of the company’s employment practices.

However, not all drivers will be able to access these benefits, with some having to pay into the scheme in order to obtain them.

Uber, and other similar so-called "gig economy" firms, have had their policies towards workers scrutinised, with many working full-time hours but not being treated to the benefits that go along with it.

The US tech firm announced on Thursday that drivers in the UK that have made over 500 trips will now be able to gain access to sick and injury benefits, including compensation packages. Those who have not made such a number of trips and wish to avail themselves of the benefits must contribute £2 per week to have access.

Uber, and other similar so-called "gig economy" firms, have had their policies towards workers scrutinised

"Drivers who make money through Uber tell us they love the freedom of being their own boss and choosing if, when and where they drive. But drivers have also told us they want more security if something unexpected happens," Jo Bertram, regional general manager of Uber in the UK, said in a statement.

Through a partnership with the Association of Independent Professionals and the Self-Employed, the sick and injury would cover up to £2,000.

Uber and other companies such as Deliveroo and Amazon were recently the subject of a parliamentary report which concluded that employees were being manipulated into signing away their rights, by way of “unintelligible” contracts.

"These companies parade the ‘flexibility’ their model offers to drivers but it seems the only real flexibility is enjoyed by the companies themselves,” said Labour MP Frank Field, chair of the Work and Pensions committee.