Uber offers free childcare to attract UK female drivers

Uber has introduced a new scheme in the UK that offers 20 hours of free childcare to every driver. The initiative is aimed at encouraging more women to join the Uber driving platform. Drivers can use this childcare allowance through a nannying and babysitting app for the remainder of 2025. Andrew Brem, Uber UK's General Manager, expressed a strong desire to attract more female drivers. However, the Independent Workers Union of Great Britain (IWGB) criticized the plan. They said that instead of offering free childcare, Uber should increase drivers’ pay so they can spend more time with their families. Uber conducted a trial with 1,000 drivers before launching the scheme and reported positive feedback. About 96% of participants found that the free childcare helped them work more easily. The company plans to expand the program to over 100,000 drivers in the UK. Brem acknowledged that driving for Uber tends to attract more male drivers and stated that the company wants to change this. He believes this childcare initiative could encourage existing drivers to consider the benefits of using such services. Uber also aims to address pay concerns among drivers, especially as some have recently gone on strike. Many drivers have voiced their frustrations over low wages and long working hours, making it difficult to be with their families. Despite the childcare offering, Brem recognized that drivers want to earn more money. He stated that the company's focus is on increasing demand for rides to help drivers earn better wages. Drivers can now see how much they earn each week compared to Uber's share of the fare. One mother, Tania Naseer, shared her positive experience with the childcare pilot. She found it helpful for both work and personal time. While she appreciated the free childcare, she also agreed that a pay rise would be beneficial. The free childcare hours can be used flexibly, even when not working for Uber, through the app Bubble.