PRIVATE hire drivers protested outside Parliament yesterday against poverty pay, unfair sackings and lack of protection from violence.

The protest, by members of the Independent Workers of Great Britain union working for firms such as Uber and Bolt, was also taken to Transport for London.

In February last year, Uber suffered a defeat when the Supreme Court ruled that its drivers were employees, not self-employed, and as such were entitled to sick pay, holiday and minimum rates of pay.

But the union has warned that little has changed.

“Despite the Uber Supreme Court ruling, drivers have faced years of plummeting pay, made worse by the rising cost of living,” the union said in a statement.

“Uber and Bolt also both lack a fair dismissal process, which has resulted in hundreds of drivers being sacked without evidence, chance of an appeal, or in some cases even a reason.”

The drivers are urging the government and licensing authorities to crack down on poor pay and working conditions across the sector.

Demands also include action on safety while working, following the death in February last year of Bolt driver Gabriel Bringye, who was stabbed while working in London.

The union said: “Workplace violence and abuse are commonplace for private hire drivers, a majority-BAME workforce.

“Seven in 10 have been assaulted on the job and eight in 10 have been victims of verbal abuse.

“But Uber and Bolt lack common-sense safety measures and drivers feel they are ignored when they raise issues.”

An Uber spokesperson said: “All drivers on Uber are guaranteed at least the national living wage, holiday pay and a pension plan, as well as free sickness protection.

“We are not the only player in town and so far no other operator provides drivers with these full worker protections.”

Bolt was also invited to comment.