Hectic and unpredictable times: the work shifts and everyday Life of Italian-Bangladeshi Uber drivers in London

This study aims to contribute to the literature on migrant labour in the platformeconomy and the work-life balance by examining the case of Italian-Bangladeshi Uber drivers in London. Drawing on in-depth interviews withdrivers and stakeholders, the research explores how Uber’s model ofalgorithmic management and flexible employment impacts drivers’economic stability, social lives, and well-being. While Uber marketizes itswork as autonomous and flexible, findings reveal that drivers work long andoften unpredictable hours, job insecurity, and financial strain. Health issues,including back pain and sleep deprivation, are widespread, exacerbated byirregular work schedules and lack of proper breaks. Furthermore, driversreport strained family relationships due to conflicting schedules, with manymissing key social and family moments. The article concludes that Uber’srhetoric of driver autonomy masks a system that blurs the boundariesbetween work and personal life, leaving drivers in a state of economic andsocial instability.