Uber anxious: App’s drivers are stressed

The company has been criticised over its treatment of drivers, who are considered as self-employed “partners”
The company has been criticised over its treatment of drivers, who are considered as self-employed “partners”
ANGELO MERENDINO/AFP/GETTY IMAGES

Next time you jump into an Uber, maybe try a soothing tone with the driver. Many are apparently suffering stress and anxiety because of their jobs, a study has found.

Academics from Oxford University said that Uber drivers reported “substantially higher average levels of anxiety” than other workers.

The study, the first of its kind and based on a survey of 1,000 drivers working for the taxi app, also had some good news for drivers. The flexibility of the job led to higher levels of “life satisfaction”, it said. However, it could leave a minority anxious about job uncertainty.

It also found that Uber drivers in London earned about £11 an hour, marginally above the £10.20 recommended living wage in the capital. The study was