Logistics UK calls for action over HGV driver shortages

At present, the average age of HGV drivers is 48 and more than half of the sector are over 50. Logistics UK says in a new report that transport operators are facing significant difficulties in recruiting new drivers, with 14.5% experiencing severe or very severe issues.

Bethany Windsor, head of skills policy at Logistics UK, said: “An ageing workforce and inability to recruit is a recipe for potential disaster in the future unless action is taken now. The situation is being made more difficult by recent government decisions to devolve effective initiatives at a time when a long-term national approach to recruitment and retention would be more appropriate.”

Windsor cites the government’s decision to discontinue centralised funding for the HGV Skills Bootcamp programme as a case in point, explaining: “The HGV Skills Bootcamp was launched in 2022 and has trained over 20,000 drivers, with a 72% job placement rate. It has been effective in attracting career switchers and the unemployed, yet all training is set to end by 30 September with responsibility shifting to devolved authorities, despite only a few regions having replacement funding in place at present.

“Industry is ready and willing to work with government to address recruitment challenges while initiatives such as Generation Logistics are raising awareness and making roles like HGV driving more appealing to a younger and more diverse workforce.

“We have already weathered an acute shortage of qualified drivers and other staff exacerbated by the pandemic. While plans have been put in place to reverse the decline in recruitment, the decision to end centralised funding and shift responsibility to devolved authorities at this stage seems premature and risks a patchy and inconsistent national response.

“The sector needs a co-ordinated approach to recruitment. On behalf of our members, we are pressing the government to work with industry to support alternative training pathways to recruit and address working conditions that affect retention, both of which are critical for stabilising and building resilience into the sector.”