21/11/2021
In the bustling city of Bristol, the familiar sight of taxis navigating the streets often masks a challenging reality for the drivers behind the wheel. A recent survey has shed light on the demanding schedules and financial pressures faced by those working for ride-hailing apps and traditional taxi firms, revealing that many are working gruelling hours just to survive.
The Long Hours: A Day in the Life
The findings, compiled by solicitors Leigh Day, paint a stark picture for taxi drivers in Bristol, particularly those engaged with the popular app Bolt and the national firm Addison Lee. The survey, which polled over 150 drivers in Bristol (as part of a larger nationwide study of 800 drivers), indicates that the majority are dedicating significant portions of their lives to their work. A staggering more than half of the drivers surveyed reported working 12 hours a day. Furthermore, nearly three-quarters of these drivers are working a six-day week. This intensive schedule is not a choice for leisure, but a necessity driven by the need to earn enough to cover basic living expenses, especially in the current cost-of-living crisis.
The Gig Economy and Workers' Rights
Many of these drivers operate within the framework of the 'gig economy', often classified as self-employed contractors. This classification has significant implications for their rights and benefits. Drivers working for Bolt, for instance, are campaigning for the company to treat them as employees, which would entitle them to benefits such as paid holiday and the minimum wage. The survey results, described by Leigh Day as "alarming," suggest that for over 80% of the drivers surveyed, the income generated does not cover their essential bills. This situation is particularly concerning given the long hours they are putting in.
Legal Battles and Evolving Rights
The issue of workers' rights in the taxi industry is not new. Leigh Day has been at the forefront of legal challenges, having secured a significant court victory against Addison Lee in 2017. This ruling granted their drivers workers' rights. However, the firm is actively defending these rights, and last year, initiated a similar legal claim against Bolt. Bolt, an app-based service where drivers are hired on a per-job basis, maintains that its drivers are self-employed contractors. The company argues its operating model differs from that of Uber, which faced a Supreme Court ruling in 2016 that its drivers should be considered employees entitled to the minimum wage.
Addison Lee, following the 2017 ruling, appealed the decision. In April 2021, they were informed they could not appeal a judgment by the Employment Tribunal that drivers are entitled to workers' rights. Addison Lee's contention is that this ruling should only apply to the specific drivers who brought the case, rather than setting a precedent for all their drivers.
Driver Testimonies: The Human Impact
The statistics are underpinned by personal experiences. Omar, a Bristol-based driver for the Bolt app, shared his perspective: "Driving for Bolt is my main source of income but it’s hard to support my family on the money I make, even though I work long hours. Bolt says us drivers are self-employed but they can suspend our accounts so how can that be? Getting workers’ rights would make a big difference to me, especially with the price of everything going up. It’s stressful worrying about if I’ll earn enough money to pay all my bills each month." His words highlight the emotional and financial strain many drivers endure.
Comparison of Working Models
The debate often centres on the differing operational models between taxi firms and apps. Here's a brief comparison based on the information provided:
| Feature | Addison Lee (as per Leigh Day's claim) | Bolt | Uber (post-2016 ruling) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classification | Drivers pursuing workers' rights | Self-employed contractors (company's view) | Employees |
| Working Hours (Reported) | ~12 hours/day, 6 days/week | ~12 hours/day, 6 days/week | Varies, but minimum wage entitlement |
| Key Demands | Workers' rights, minimum wage | Workers' rights, minimum wage, paid holiday | Varies, but focus on improved conditions |
| Company Stance | Challenging employment tribunal rulings | Complies with applicable laws; model attracts drivers | Supreme Court ruling acknowledged |
Bolt's Perspective
A spokesperson for Bolt stated that the company "complies with applicable laws and regulations specific to our business." They further elaborated on their model: "Bolt’s operating model means drivers receive higher earnings per trip and benefit from total flexibility. Our extensive driver engagement shows time and again this model is what the vast majority of our drivers want. We operate in a highly competitive market to attract drivers so it is in our interests to operate a model that works best for them; if not, they will go elsewhere." This highlights the company's belief that its flexible, self-employed model is preferred by its drivers and is crucial for attracting and retaining them in a competitive market.
The Call for Fair Treatment
Nigel Mackay, a partner in the Leigh Day employment team, emphasised the core issue: "Gig economy workers in Bristol should not be struggling to feed their families and pay their bills whilst the companies they work for, such as Addison Lee and Bolt, refuse to provide them with basic workers’ rights. The drivers we surveyed work exceedingly long hours yet still do not earn enough to cover the cost of living. This goes to show that changes need to be made to improve workers’ rights for our clients." This statement encapsulates the ongoing struggle for fair pay and conditions for drivers in the modern transport sector.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How many hours do Bristol taxi drivers typically work?
According to a recent survey, over half of the drivers surveyed work approximately 12 hours a day, with almost three-quarters working six days a week.
Q2: Are Bristol taxi drivers paid a minimum wage?
Drivers working for firms like Addison Lee and apps like Bolt are seeking entitlement to the minimum wage. The survey suggests that many are not earning enough to cover their bills despite long hours.
Q3: What is the legal status of Bolt drivers in Bristol?
Bolt classifies its drivers as self-employed contractors. However, legal action is ongoing, with drivers seeking recognition as employees to gain workers' rights.
Q4: What are the main concerns for Bristol taxi drivers?
The primary concerns include long working hours, insufficient pay to cover living costs, lack of benefits like paid holiday, and the classification of their employment status.
The situation for taxi drivers in Bristol, as revealed by this survey, underscores a broader debate about employment practices in the gig economy. The demand for basic workers' rights and fair remuneration continues to be a critical issue for those who provide essential transport services across the city.
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