GMB Union urges safeguards for London drivers as robotaxis arrive

The GMB Union has called on authorities to ensure that the introduction of driverless taxis in London does not come at the expense of existing professional drivers. The union’s statement, released on Thursday, September 3, 2026, responds to plans that will see autonomous robotaxis begin operating in the UK capital.

According to GMB Union, the rollout must include protections for drivers whose livelihoods could be affected by the new technology. The union’s position highlights concerns about job security and the future role of human drivers as automated services expand.

The announcement follows reporting that Uber is positioning itself for a driverless future in London, with robotaxi services now being tested or launched in the city. A first-hand account from The Times described what passengers can expect from the new driverless taxis, while other outlets have noted the arrival of robotaxis in Britain.

One issue raised in coverage of the development is the role of human “safety drivers” who sit behind the wheel during autonomous operations. The Conversation reported that these workers may lose critical driving skills if their job consists solely of monitoring the vehicle rather than actively driving it. That concern adds another layer to the debate over how the transition to autonomy should be managed.

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GMB Union’s demand for protections suggests that the arrival of robotaxis in London is not just a technological milestone but also a labor issue. The union is pressing for a framework that keeps human drivers central to the city’s transport network even as automated vehicles become more common.

What to watch next is whether London regulators will adopt formal requirements for driver protections before the robotaxi fleet expands beyond its current scope.