Taxi organisation Uber is to contribute towards a range of benefits, including sickness and injury cover, for eligible UK drivers.
The package, which will be provided in partnership with the Association of Independent Professionals and the Self-Employed (IPSE), will be available to active drivers using the Uber app in the UK who have completed at least 500 trips. Drivers will be able to access the benefits by paying a £2 weekly membership fee to the IPSE, with Uber making a significant contribution towards the cost of joining the scheme. Overall, the package is worth £8 a week.
The range of benefits includes sickness and injury cover up to £2,000 if drivers are unable to drive for two weeks or more, jury service cover up to £2,000, occupational accident cover of £300 a week for up to 52 weeks if an accident takes place during a trip or while the driver is logged in to the Uber app, and accidental death or permanent total disablement cover of £50,000 if an accident takes place during a trip or while logged in to the Uber app.
Drivers will also be able to access free advice and support on issues such as paying tax, mortgages, pensions, and saving for the future.
Drivers can register their interest in the package now, with the IPSE due to provide information on how UK drivers can join the scheme later this month.
This follows a range of initiatives that were launched in February following driver feedback, which included earnings advice sessions, discounted access to savings products such as pensions and individual savings accounts (Isas), and free skills courses.
Jo Bertram, regional general manager at Uber UK, said: “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.
“That’s why we’re really pleased to offer drivers this package with IPSE so they have more support in case of illness or injury.”
