"Uber in London: Firm Must Value Its Drivers as well as Its Customers," 25 September 2017

...London is the latest location where Uber is facing serious challenges. Transport for London, the city’s transport authority, has denied it a new licence to operate, which would effectively shut down the company’s operations in London...Uber’s problems are a classic example of a digital business that has evolved without fully taking into account its impact on society...

The [ride-hailing] app appeals to customers through low prices and convenience. But it comes at serious cost to drivers who work under an extreme “work more, earn more” model where they must grab work at every opportunity and constantly face unknown competition. The app does not limit working hours for drivers per day, enforce a day (or two) off per week or limit the number of consecutive hours a driver can work. The app is also designed to be a race between drivers to be in the right place at the right time and accept the job before anyone else.

The dilemma for a digital platform like Uber is to continue to appeal to customers, while providing better conditions for drivers. If changes are required to renew its London license, now could be the time to incorporate values that honour both sides of its customer base...