TfL refuses to issue private hire operator licence to Uber London

The UK's Transport for London (TfL) has informed that it will not issue a private hire operator licence to Uber London after expiry of its existing licence on 30 September.

TfL concluded that the company is not fit and proper to hold such a licence to operate in London.

Trade union Good Morning Britain (GMB) and global consumer group SumOfUs handed in a 100,000-strong mass petition to City Hall on 18 September and urged TfL to force Uber to respect workers’ rights or get out of England capital.

Uber’s licence to operate in London was under review and granted a four-month extension in May this year.

"This historic decision is a victory for GMB’s campaign to ensure drivers are given the rights they are entitled to, and that the public, drivers and passengers are kept safe."

GMB legal director Maria Ludkin said: “This historic decision is a victory for GMB’s campaign to ensure drivers are given the rights they are entitled to, and that the public, drivers and passengers are kept safe.

“As a result of sustained pressure from drivers and the public, Uber has suffered yet another defeat - losing its licence to operate in London.”

In October last year, the Central London Employment Tribunal ruled in favour of GMB determining that Uber drivers are not self-employed, but workers, and are entitled to basic workers’ rights such as holiday pay, a guaranteed minimum wage and an entitlement to breaks.

According to a poll conducted by YouGov on behalf of SumOfUs, 72% of Londoners consider that TfL should ensure that Uber guarantees minimum wage and paid holidays for their drivers.