RHA report aims to tackle severe truck driver shortages in UK

In the report, the association makes a series of recommendations aimed at improving the retention of drivers. There are significant structural issues with the driving labour force, including an ageing workforce, narrow diversity and driver retention. As the report spotlights, these remain ongoing issues which could cause serious problems in the next few years if they aren’t addressed.

RHA skills policy lead, Sally Gilson, said: “Businesses across the road transport sector are key economic enablers – and attracting people into the industry and building the foundations for a future workforce is essential. If we’re to future-proof the industry for the long term, we need to recruit, train and retain tens of thousands of drivers annually to meet demand. With an ageing workforce, we also need to attract more young people into the industry. To get there, we must prioritise flexible, funded training options.

“Rising costs and insolvencies equally highlight the need for continued support through programmes like bootcamps to ease training expenses. Industry and government collaboration with training providers will also be key to recruiting and retaining staff and avoiding future driver shortages.”

To unlock career opportunities and pathways for future opportunities in road transport and logistics, the RHA has a series of recommendations:

• Greater flexibility is needed within the new Growth and Skills Levy to allow businesses in the road transport sector to fully utilise funds effectively for more flexible training options.

• Employers to be able to use available funds for the courses and training that best works for them.

• More industry collaboration with schools and colleges at a local level to promote careers in logistics.

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