Sheffield city council has suspended Uber’s licence in the city, though the company has claimed this is an ‘administrative error,’ The Guardian reported.
Uber can still operate in the city until December 18 and, if it appeals against the council’s decision, can operate after that date until the appeal is heard.
The dispute is reportedly due to company’s failure to change the name on the licence from that of the former UK Director, Jo Bertram, who left Uber in October. She announced her departure after Transport for London (TfL) stripped Uber of its licence to operate in the UK capital in September.
Sheffield City Council has said the law does not allow for a licence to be transferred to a different name, but Uber has argued that it has not had any difficulty doing so with other local authorities.
A Sheffield city council spokesperson said: “Uber’s licence was suspended on November 29 after the current licence holder failed to respond to requests, made by our licensing team, about the management of Uber.”
A spokesperson for Uber said: “The council told us they couldn’t change the name on the licence, as most other councils have done, and that we would instead have to apply for a new one.
“While we are in regular contact with the council, we did not receive the correspondence the council refers to as they sent the letters to an incorrect address. We hope this administrative error can be quickly resolved.”
Lee Parkinson, GMB Organiser, commented: “This is yet another blow for Uber and more proof their exploitative business model does not pay.
“When will Uber admit it has to change its ways and put the safety of its drivers and the public before profits? If Uber appeals this decision it will be caught up in three separate legally disputes – all brought about by its own actions.
“GMB calls on Sheffield City Council to be transparent over the reasons for their concerns about Uber so the public and drivers can be fully informed.”
