Geoff Roy 23rd February 2022

How Serious is the Shortage of Lorry Drivers in 2022?

Lorry driver shortages have been causing concerns in the UK economy for some time now. However, according to experts, the problems are just beginning. Director of Food and Sustainability at the BRC (British Retail Consortium), Andrew Opie, believes the HGV driver shortage will last at least until Spring 2022 if not longer.

A lack of access to talent means HGV drivers are currently in high demand throughout the UK, prompting higher salaries and more opportunities for employment. Indeed, in a Road Haulage Association open letter to the PM, the group revealed a shortage of more than 100,000 qualified drivers throughout the United Kingdom.

This number includes thousands of drivers from the European Union and member states previously living and working in the UK. As issues from the COVID-19 pandemic and Brexit continue to influence supply chains in the UK, this is what you need to know about the HGV driver shortage.

How Significant is the Problem?

Estimates on the severity of the HGV driver shortage vary. While the RHA estimates a shortage of 100,000 drivers, Logistics UK believes the shortfall is around 90,000. Either way, it seems clear that the demand for lorry drivers throughout the country isn’t going away any time soon. Professional groups are now urging the government to step in and take action to fight against the problem.

Lack of HGV drivers in the UK leads to significant issues with the supply chain and the way we run the country. For instant, some of the symptoms the country is seeing right now include:

Reduced access to resources: Lack of drivers hauling crucial food, fuel, and other essential resources through the country has led to mass shortages in essential purchases in the last few months. This issue is also being exacerbated by the pandemic.
Higher costs: When haulage services can’t keep up with demand, the cost of transporting products begins to rise. Transport providers may be expected to ask higher prices from clients, which raises costs for food and drink businesses.
Wastage: Short-life goods are often vulnerable to transport disruption. If HGV drivers aren’t available to transport food and other perishables on time, wastage could occur.

What’s Causing the Shortage?

Reasons for the lorry driver shortage are varied. The pandemic is certainly one factor, as many European countries shut their borders, and haulage businesses had to shut their door. The pandemic also created a backlog in HGV driver tests, making it difficult for new professionals to get their licenses. Brexit also has a part to play.

Many European drivers returned to their home countries after Brexit, leaving the country with fewer outsourced professionals to keep things running smoothly. The strain on the supply chain has prompted the government to begin introducing new strategies to welcome more external and internal UK employees back into the supply chain.

Other factors include:

Barriers to entry: Finding training solutions for a HGV license hasn’t always been easy. This has led to a reduction in the number of people getting certified.
Demographics: Around 34% of HGV drivers were aged over 55 in 2019, indicating many will be retiring shortly.
Opportunities: The value of HGV drivers has been underestimated in the past, leading to lower pay. Fortunately, this is beginning to change, as HGV drivers can now earn extremely high wages with the right certification.
Tax issues: There have also been various tax changes which make it more costly for people outside of the UK to work in the country. The IR35 rules have prompted a lot of European citizens to avoid working in the country.

Misconceptions about what it means to be an HGV driver have also driven new potential drivers away from the industry in the past. Many people believed driving an HGV was overly demanding or isolating, but the reality is it can offer a highly flexible and exciting work opportunity.

What Can We Do About the Shortages?

The government has already announced a number of measures it will be putting in place to improve the HGV driver situation, including allowing more foreign workers back into the country. There are also going to be a range of intensive “boot camp” training options for people who want to become licensed HGV drivers and more support for groups offering HGV training.

The government also recently began writing to almost one million drivers holding a HGV driving license to urge them to return to the industry. What’s more, Drivers’ hours rules have also been relaxed slightly, which allows drivers to change their driving limits daily, and potentially earn more money as a result.

Another major factor will be in getting testing back on track. The pandemic created a huge backlog in the number of potential HGV drivers wating for tests. According to some studies, around 25,000 fewer candidates passed their test in 2020 compared to 2019. Going forward, the process will need to be expedited with help from the right training groups.

Be A Part of the Solution

For anyone interested in becoming a HGV driver today, there are countless possible reasons to get involved. These days, the pay for HGV drivers is higher than ever, ensuring that anyone with a HGV driving license can get some great wages, and amazing benefits from top employers.

As the demand for skilled professionals grows, most organizations are also implementing better working conditions for their workforce, including extra bonuses and advantages for anyone with a HGV license. This could include insurance, more flexible working hours, and a clear career path so you can better plan for your future.

We’re doing our part to help cure the HGV driver shortage by offering a convenient and straightforward strategy for getting your HGV driving license fast. As the UK’s best value HGV training solution, we can offer a number of ways for you to get into the industry, with virtual CPC, extensive training support, and quick tests to get you on the road fast.

Find out how you can help overcome the HGV crisis with Easy as HGV today.

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