Despite taxi-driver protests and pressure from authorities, car-hailing app Uber has launched a recruitment campaign for new drivers in 12 cities across China, according to the South China Morning Post. 

Uber is reportedly facing increasing competition in China from home-grown rivals, as well as violent protests from taxi drivers who see the app taking their business. 

It is also facing pressure from authorities, with two of its offices, in Guangzhou and Chengdu, raided earlier this year following a nationwide ban on such services. 

Despite the ban, car-hailing services are popular in China.

Via a post on Chinese job board 51job.com, Uber reportedly said: “If you want to get online, you get online. If you are tired, you go home. No need to compete for orders. You can get orders when sleeping at home.” 

It did not say how many drivers it was seeking in each city.