Grab has issued a statement to their driver-partners, addressing driver incentives and extra financial support.
Impact on Grab
In the statement to the drivers, Grab Singapore head of transport Andrew Chan highlighted how Grab’s business has been badly affected by Covid-19.
Transport rides have continued to decrease by double-digit percentages and drivers’ earnings have dwindled.
As a result of falling revenue, senior Grab leaders have taken a pay cut of up to 20%. Grab staff are also encouraged to go on no-pay leave voluntarily.
Support for Drivers
Grab announced their circuit-breaker scheme to support drivers earlier in April 2020. They were also the first to onboard their private-hire drivers onto the GrabFood and GrabExpress delivery service platform.
The Grab Circuit Breaker support scheme was supposed to be for the period 6 April 2020 to 4 April 2020.
However, with the extension of the circuit breaker, Grab has also extended the support period for drivers.
Some ongoing benefits for drivers will be continued.
- Paid Medical Leave (PML)
- Medisave co-contribution
- Grab Academy Scholarships and Bursaries
- 5% Commissions for GrabCare & GrabAssist
- One-off Income Support for quarantine or Stay Home Notice
- GrabRentals Vehicle Rental Waiver for Quarantine
While some have to be paused
- Rewards for Monthly Top Rater Driver Partners on hold
- Compensation for 3 Free Cancellations will be removed
- Birthday rewards on hold
May not extend past June 1
Mr Andrew Chan said extending the support schemes was not an easy decision as Grab’s business had taken a bad hit. He also warned that Grab may not be able to provide extra financial support if the circuit breaker is extended past June 1 2020.
Application for SIRS Scheme
Life as a self-employed private-hire driver has been very tough in the past few months. Rides are few and fares are low. Drivers can check their eligibility and try to apply for the SIRS Scheme that was introduced as part of the Resilience Budget to support self-employed people.
