Platform delivery is one of the fastest-growing forms of work in the UK, with hundreds of thousands of riders across Uber Eats, Deliveroo, and Just Eat. But the advertised hourly rates are gross — before fuel, phone costs, depreciation, self-employment tax, and quiet periods. Here's a realistic breakdown of what riders actually earn.
Gross Earnings from Delivery
An active delivery rider working 40 hours per week in a major city can typically gross £700–£900 per week during peak hours. During quieter periods, earnings drop significantly. A realistic year-round average for full-time Uber Eats or Deliveroo is approximately £25,000–£35,000/year gross platform earnings.
Deductions Before You Even Think About Tax
- Fuel/electricity: A motorcycle or scooter doing 200 miles/week costs approximately £25–£35/week in fuel at current prices. Electric bikes or cargo bikes cost significantly less.
- Vehicle depreciation and maintenance: Typically £20–£50/week depending on vehicle type and condition.
- Phone plan (for navigation): £10–£15/month
- Insurance: Food delivery insurance (hire and reward cover) adds £50–£200/year on top of standard vehicle insurance.
Total costs: approximately £2,500–£5,000/year depending on vehicle and mileage.
Self-Employment Tax
Delivery riders are self-employed and must file a Self Assessment return. After allowable expenses, taxable profit on £30,000 gross platform income might be around £25,000–£27,000. Tax and NI on this: approximately £3,800–£4,500/year.
Realistic Annual Net Income
On £30,000 gross platform earnings: after expenses (~£4,000) and tax (~£4,200), realistic annual net income is approximately £21,800 (£1,817/month). That represents an effective all-in take of around 73% of gross — better than PAYE employment but reflecting the costs and risks of self-employment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I get holiday pay or sick pay as a delivery rider?
As genuinely self-employed workers, delivery riders are not entitled to statutory holiday pay or SSP. Recent legal cases (notably Uber v Aslam) granted some workers "worker" status (between employee and self-employed), entitling them to holiday pay. Deliveroo and Just Eat riders remain in an evolving legal landscape — check recent case outcomes.
Does HMRC know what I earn from delivery platforms?
Yes — from January 2025, platforms must report all UK sellers' income to HMRC under digital platform reporting rules. Your gross earnings from Uber Eats, Deliveroo, or Just Eat are now visible to HMRC automatically. File your Self Assessment honestly.
Calculate your self-employment tax with our Gig Worker Tax Calculator.