Dynamic pay on platforms such as Uber should be banned, says TUC
The TUC is calling for a ban on dynamic pay systems used by gig economy platforms like Uber, arguing they create unpredictable and unfair earnings for workers. Workers report feeling like they are gambling with their income due to opaque algorithms that determine pay based on real-time supply and demand. The TUC, alongside Worker Info Exchange and academics, urges the UK government to end the practice and strengthen worker data rights.
- ▪The TUC report found gig workers describing their pay as a form of gambling due to unpredictable algorithmic decisions.
- ▪Dynamic pricing on platforms like Uber replaced fixed commission rates with variable, opaque pay structures.
- ▪Workers reported earning below minimum wage, experiencing health impacts, and feeling pressured to drive while tired due to intense competition.
- ▪An Oxford study found Uber drivers earned substantially less per hour after dynamic pricing was introduced in 2023.
- ▪The TUC and Worker Info Exchange are demanding government action to end dynamic pay and grant workers access to algorithmic decision-making data.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Uber introduced dynamic pricing in 2023, an algorithm that variably sets pay for drivers and fares for passengers. Photograph: Russell Hart/AlamyView image in fullscreenUber introduced dynamic pricing in 2023, an algorithm that variably sets pay for drivers and fares for passengers. Photograph: Russell Hart/AlamyGig economyDynamic pay on platforms such as Uber should be banned, says TUCExclusive: Union body finds workers describing themselves as ‘gambling’ because wages felt like the outcome of chance rather than workRichard Partington Senior economics correspondentSun 3 May 2026 02.00 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleThe practice of using “dynamic pricing” to set pay on gig economy platforms including Uber should be banned because it leaves workers at the mercy of shadowy algorithms…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at World news | The Guardian.
Discussion
0 commentsMore from World news | The Guardian
