Union seeks explanation over Uber decision

A UNION which represents taxi drivers has called for Sheffield Council to explain its concerns about Uber after the authority suspended the company’s licence.

Sheffield Council said it suspended the private hire firm’s licence after Uber ‘failed to respond to requests from the local authority’s licensing team about their management’.

The move comes after the ridehailing firm previously lost its appeal against a ruling that its drivers should be classed as workers with minimum-wage rights.

Lee Parkinson, GMB union organiser, has now called on the council to “be transparent over the reasons for their concerns about Uber so the public and drivers can be fully informed”.

He also described the authority’s decision as “yet another blow for Uber” and claimed the firm “has to change its ways and put the safety of its drivers and the public before profits”.

Uber can still legally operate until December 18. In addition, if the firm appeals against the suspension, it can continue to operate until the case is heard.

A Sheffield Council spokesman said that if Uber decides against appealing, the suspension will come into force. The company, however, said there had been an administrative error.

A spokesperson for Uber said the company had informed Sheffield Council on October 5 that it would need to change the name on the licence as the named individual would soon be leaving the company.

In a statement, it said: “The council told us they couldn’t change the name on the licence, as most other councils have done, and that we would instead have to apply for a new one.

“While we are in regular contact with the council, we did not receive the correspondence the council refers to as they sent the letters to an incorrect address.

“We hope this administrative error can be quickly resolved so we can continue serving tens of thousands of riders and drivers in Sheffield.”