Met officers take on Uber driving jobs for extra cash

POLICE in London are moonlighting as Uber drivers because they are struggling to make ends meet.

One in five Met Police officers – more than 5,000 – has declared business interests to the force, with more than 300 working as chauffeurs or drivers, according to Freedom of Information figures obtained by the Evening Standard.

More than 70 per cent of the officers were police constables, while some ranked as high as chief superintendents who were largely taking on consultancy roles.

A Police Federation spokesman added: “The sad reality is that some police officers are having to find additional means to make ends meet.

“Given the choice, officers would rather not take on a second job, but some unfortunately have no alternative.” Ken Marsh, the Metropolitan Police Federation chairman, added weight to the claims that officers are not paid enough.

He told the Standard: “Our job is a professional job and it clearly shows you we aren’t paid a professional salary.

“You have to ask the question, why does someone need a second job when they’re a police officer? It’s not right at all.”

Scotland Yard said in a statement that secondary employment or business interests were permitted “provided it is compatible with being a member of the police service”.

It added that officers’ roles in the Met “will always be considered as a priority over any business interest”.

According to the figures obtained by the newspaper, six officers were working as Uber drivers.