Transport for London (TfL) is facing an unprecedented legal challenge from the Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain (IWGB) and its drivers, including those working for Uber, due to claims that delays in issuing licenses have severely impacted their livelihoods. Despite TfL’s previous apologies for these delays, the union and the drivers argue that there are ongoing and systemic issues affecting licensing for this group of drivers. With 108,000 private hire drivers in London, many of whom work for Uber, the exact number experiencing licensing issues is unclear, though the IWGB has a WhatsApp group with around 1,000 drivers facing such problems.
These drivers, many of whom are not high earners and have limited savings, suffer significant financial hardships due to even short delays in TfL issuing licenses. Some have reported losing their homes and having their vehicles repossessed. Robert Dale, a 65-year-old driver, died after a heart attack in November while waiting for his license renewal, with his family attributing his death to the stress of not being able to work.
Raifu Akanmu, an Uber driver who applied to renew his license in January, is still waiting to receive his new license, leaving him unable to work as his previous one expired at the end of May. Many drivers have faced similar dilemmas, with the union emphasizing the need for accountability and systemic change.
Ahmed Aydeed of Deighton Pierce Glynn Solicitors, which is leading the legal challenge against TfL, states that TfL is operating an unlawful system by failing to ensure the continuity of licensing for private hire drivers. The union and drivers are calling for TfL to be held accountable, arguing that any public authority that strips people of their livelihood is not fit for purpose.
In response, a TfL spokesperson expressed regret for the issues drivers have faced due to processing times and stated that the organization has taken urgent steps to mitigate these delays, including recruiting and training additional staff and granting short-term licenses where appropriate. TfL continues to work on rectifying the delays quickly to ensure all drivers who meet licensing requirements can work legally.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/jul/04/tfl-faces-legal-challenge-licence-uber-private-hire-drivers
