Uber prompts praise, and scepticism, after granting UK drivers worker status

US ride-hailing giant Uber won praise from Britain’s government and trade unions after granting UK drivers worker status with associated rights including a minimum wage, sparking hopes that more technology platforms will follow suit worldwide. — AFP

LONDON: US ride-hailing giant Uber’s decision to grant its UK drivers worker status won praise in Britain on March 17 and raised hopes it could transform the gig economy, but it was met with scepticism elsewhere in Europe.

Uber revealed late March 16 it is handing UK drivers workers’ entitlements, including a minimum wage, holiday pay and a pension, in a world first for the group that also marked a major U-turn.