A new report has revealed that 40,000 new drivers are needed each year over the next five years to avoid a repeat of the 2021 driver shortage. The Road Haulage Association (RHA) has issued a stark warning to both the industry and the Government, stating that it is crucial to recruit 200,000 drivers by 2030.
The report, titled ‘Lorry drivers – the vital link – attracting, training and retaining key workers in the UK supply chain’ emphasises the critical role that road transport plays in the UK’s supply chain, with 81% of freight in the UK moved by road. It stresses that both businesses and drivers are essential to keeping supply chains functioning smoothly.
According to the RHA, the logistics industry will require 40,000 new HGV drivers each year for the next five years to meet rising demand and avoid another driver shortage like the one in 2021.
Sally Gilson, RHA’s skills policy lead, stated: “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 highlight the need for continued support through programmes like bootcamps to ease training expenses.
“Industry and Government collaboration with training providers will be key to recruiting and retaining staff and avoiding future driver shortages.”
The RHA’s key recommendations include offering more flexibility within the new Growth and Skills Levy; increasing collaboration between the industry and local schools and colleges to promote careers in logistics; and developing industry-specific training programmes such as T-Levels.