ARTICLE JULY 2021
HGV driver shortage in the UK impacts transport and logistics recruitment There has been a shortage of Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) drivers in the UK for many years. Recent factors have exacerbated the problem as agencies nationwide struggle to find HGV qualified drivers to support the logistics industry. In the short term, the impact will be felt on the HGV recruitment sector and beyond. The Road Haulage Association (RHA) has recently reported an HGV driver shortage exceeding 60,000 in the UK, urging government ministers to add HGV drivers to the Home Office UK Shortage Occupation List.1
What has led to this shortage? The shortage of HGV drivers isn’t new. An ageing driver population and stricter and costly training requirements have resulted in drivers leaving the profession. Sourcing drivers has become more difficult and expensive over recent years.2
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reasons. However, the suggestion to ease rules to allow HGV drivers from overseas to live and work in the UK could help in the short term.
More recently, the pandemic resulted in the shutdown of over 30,000 vocational driving test slots last year. The introduction of new IR35 tax rules (ensuring agency drivers pay broadly the same Income Tax and National Insurance contributions as directly employed individuals) has worsened the situation. As a result, some firms have been forced to cancel deliveries as they can’t get agency drivers.
What is the general impact on the HGV driver shortage in the UK? As the lockdown has eased and summer weather arrives, integrated supply chains could struggle to cope with the increasing demand for food and drink in supermarkets, the hospitality sector, and goods into retail outlets.
For those considering a change of occupation, the costs to become a qualified an HGV driver can be a barrier. If an individual doesn’t have the funds upfront, it becomes difficult to pursue.
The Daily Mail has reported that driver shortages may lead to increased food prices in the UK as the cost of moving goods has surged.3
What can be done to remedy the shortage of HGV drivers? The RHA Chief Executive Richard Burnett, in a letter to the Transport Secretary, Grant Shapps, has said that the Government needs to do more to help the industry recruit new talent. The RHA reports that haulage firms struggle to get access to Apprenticeship Levy funding for training.
ARTICLE BY
Michele Thorogood Senior Driving Recruitment Consultant
1
GV Drivers Must Be Included on the UK Shortage H Occupation List, Says RHA, 14/05/2021, RHA, Josh Reynolds
2
rexit, Covid and IR35: Perfect Storm to hit Driver B Recruitment, 6/01/2021, Recruiter, Deedee Doke
3
ood prices could rise due to shortage of lorry F drivers as haulage firms are forced to hike wages to secure enough staff, experts say, 21/05/2021, Daily Mail Online, Bhvisha Patel
There is strong resistance to relaxing driver hours for safety
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