Irate cab drivers, incensed at Uber, brought London to a standstill during the summer
Uber will not be forced to adapt to a raft of new burdensome regulations that would have seriously damaged the firm’s ability to operate in London. However, it is thought that rules might be imposed to improve insurance, safety, customer support and driver working conditions.
A strong campaign from business groups and consumers to put off the new regulation has been successful after a consultation on the issue was carried out by Transport for London (TfL).
Inflicting damage
There had been calls to better regulate the app to improve the working rights of drivers who are currently deemed as working freelance from the company and therefore do not gain the protection afforded full time employees.
The CBI and lobby groups such as The Institute of Directors and London First all argued against the regulations, saying that any attempt to outlaw Uber in the capital would inflict damage on the city.
Majority opinions
The outcome of the TfL consultation will follow majority opinion and it is thought that most of the 15,000 responses ask for a rejection of the Uber proposals.The suggested new regulations include a controversial imposed five minute wait for Uber cars.
TfL is due to make clear which rules will be brought in at the end of January or the beginning of February, but the current consensus appears to be that private hire companies should not be forced to significantly change their business model.
Robert joined the HRreview editorial team in October 2015. After graduating from the University of Salford in 2009 with a BA in Politics, Robert has spent several years working in print and online journalism in Manchester and London. In the past he has been part of editorial teams at Flux Magazine, Mondo*Arc Magazine and The Marine Professional.
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