Understanding The Truck Driver shortage in the UK

1. Understanding The Truck Driver shortage in the UK

2. The lack of truck drivers is becoming a big problem for the economy of the UK. The huge demand for HGV drivers results from the need to move essential goods across the country. Here are things to know about the shortage of truck drivers. How bad is the truck driver shortage situation A report by ITV in 202 revealed that the UK lacks about 76,000 HGV drivers. This figure grew from 59,000 by 2019, portraying the ever-growing demand for qualified drivers. These are desperately needed to move goods across the country and Europe. According to a report published by the Freight Transport Association (FTA), about 64 percent of businesses dealing in transport or storage faced a shortage of skills, according to a report published by Freight Transport Association (FTA). Another report estimated the deficit to be about 257,000 drivers in 2022. Significance of HGV drivers to the economy The logistics sector is vital for the country’s economy. This supplies businesses with goods to operate and contributes about £124 billion in gross value annually. The economy can’t run without running properly without adequate HGV drivers. These make up an integral aspect of the workforce in the logistics sector. Additionally, HGV drivers are the backbone of the supply chain interconnection. Accounting for the shortage of truck drivers

3. Inadequate training Becoming a professional commercial driver requires getting the necessary CPC training for driver and appropriate licenses. Taking driver CPC training varies according to location and driving instructor. A 7-hour course can cost about £40 – £90 with a specialist course costing considerably more. Negative impression of the industry The truck driving workforce in the UK is aged. The average age is around 48 years old for truck drivers. However, about 47 percent of drivers are more than 50 years old. Additionally, just one percent of all truck drivers are below 25 years. This results from the negative image the industry has. There are concerns about inappropriate average wage and poor working conditions making the career unappealing to the younger generation. So, few new operators are joining the industry. The industry faces a high turnover of drivers making retention a big problem. Additionally, about 80,000 professional lorry drivers work in different sectors, according to RoadStars. Hiring young drivers is costly Some young people who wish to join the industry are frustrated by fleets that refuse to hire drivers below. These fear paying high insurance premiums. Some small business fleets in the country have very low-profit margins ranging from one to two percent. So, they can’t afford insurance or to train young drivers.

4. Disruption of businesses by COVID-19 Another reason for the shortage of truck drivers in the UK is the pandemic. Few new drivers are on the road. The lockdown significantly reduced the number of tests and lessons conducted. Business owners have made cut-backs drying up the work of some truck drivers. Fortunately, the current shortage of drivers nationwide means there’s work in another sector or industry. Increase in demand for home deliveries The uncertainty resulting from the pandemic has made most people heavily depend on home deliveries for essentials. Additionally, even supermarkets need restocking goods after panic shopping. Hospitals and other medical centres rely on the service of truck drivers to have a regular supply of essential medication. With the haulage sector contributing to about 90 percent of the economy, truck drivers control manufacturing, selling, and moving goods. Possible solutions to the shortage of truck drivers Encouraging females to join the industry

5. Men dominate the HGV sector. Lack of diversity contributes to the shortage of truck drivers. Just about 1.2 percent of all truck drivers in the UK are female. There’s a need to break the stereotype so that more females can join the industry. Recruiters have to target females more to solve the problem of shortage of drivers. Eliminating red tape There’s a need to eliminate red tape to allow younger drivers to join the profession. Some regulations need relaxing and grants made more accessible. Access to grants will enable young drivers to get funds to afford CPC training. Additionally, some fleets can test the drivers themselves. This will allow more drivers to get the appropriate skills and accreditations to join the industry. Changing public perception There’s a need to change what the public thinks about truck drivers. Today, HGV drivers are essential workers who do whatever it takes to get essential items. Raising awareness about the plight of truck drivers is vital to making the public appreciate them. Realizing the importance of truck drivers is an excellent way to inspire the younger generation to join the industry. Truck drivers play a significant role in the economy of the UK more than ever. There’s a huge demand for drivers to deliver essential items across the country. Now is a great time to undertake CPC training with a guarantee to join this industry facing shortages.

6. Source :- https://mytrendingstories.com/pamela-johnson/understanding- the-truck-driver-shortage-in-the-uk-onmqqc