Uber has announced a new initiative to provide 20 hours of free childcare for all drivers in the UK, aiming to encourage more women to join the ride-hailing platform.
The scheme, which will be available throughout 2025, allows drivers to use the childcare allowance through a nannying and babysitting app.
The move comes as Uber seeks to diversify its workforce, which has been predominantly male. According to Uber UK General Manager Andrew Brem, the company wants to create more opportunities for women to work as drivers by removing childcare barriers. The initiative follows a successful trial with 1,000 drivers, with 96% reporting that it made it easier for them to work.
Despite the positive feedback from drivers who participated in the pilot, the Independent Workers Union of Great Britain (IWGB) has criticized the scheme. The union dismissed it as a public relations move, arguing that Uber should instead focus on increasing driver pay. According to the IWGB, low fares force drivers to work excessively long hours, negatively affecting their personal lives.
Uber’s offer applies to more than 100,000 drivers in the UK, allowing them to use the childcare support at any time, not just when they are working. The company hopes the initiative will encourage more drivers to try the service and eventually continue using it beyond the free period.
While Uber promotes this as a step toward better work-life balance, some drivers remain concerned about earnings. Recent strikes have highlighted complaints about declining wages and long working hours. However, Uber maintains that demand for rides is key to improving drivers’ earnings, focusing on keeping the platform busy rather than raising pay rates.
For some, the childcare scheme has already been beneficial. One driver, Tania Naseer, a mother of three, described it as a major help, allowing her to work during peak hours while also making time for herself. She acknowledged that higher pay would be ideal but said the childcare support has made a real difference in managing work and family life.
The scheme will run until the end of the year, with Uber monitoring its impact before deciding on a possible extension.