Taxi-hailing firm Uber is to introduce a cap on how many hours its drivers can work, saying the move is an "industry first".

The new policy means that a licensed driver on Uber's app must take an uninterrupted six-hour break after 10 hours of time on a trip with a passenger or on their way to pick up a passenger after confirming a trip request.

Drivers who do not take a long enough break will not be able to log into the app and take trips.

Uber said the new policy will be introduced from next week across the UK to help "enhance driver and passenger safety".

A statement said: "We believe this is an industry first and are not aware of any other private hire operator in the UK that has introduced such a limit."

Andrew Byrne, Uber's head of policy, said: "Licensed drivers who use our app really value the freedom and flexibility to choose if, when and where they work.

"That's why we've been sending drivers regular reminders to take rest breaks and why we're now bringing in these new limits. On top of features like GPS tracking of every trip it's another example of how Uber uses technology to help enhance driver and passenger safety.

"We continue to listen to feedback and plan to make other changes and improvements over the coming months."