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For the past few years, the headlines have been full of worrying reports of an HGV shortage – a shortage which was no doubt worsened by the COVID pandemic and working restrictions after Brexit.
These factors also combined with the early retirement of current drivers and the ever increasing market for online shopping – meaning that more drivers than ever need to be on our roads.
So, has the HGV shortage been rectified or is it set to continue?
Do we need more HGV drivers?
In the periods in and immediately after the last lockdown from March 2021 onwards, there was a shortage of approximately 100,000+ HGV drivers, leading to issues with product availability.
In the years that have followed, thanks in part to measures brought in by the UK government, the HGV driver shortage has decreased, but current estimates suggest we still need around 35,000 to 40,000 HGV drivers to keep products on the shelves and arriving at your home.
*Did You Know? HGV Training Network can help you find your first job after your HGV training – reducing the HGV shortage – thanks to our partnership with Blue Arrow!
When will the HGV shortage end?
Previous government initiatives, including Boot Camps that retrained people as HGV drivers for a lower cost or free, and increased pay or other benefits from employers, have gone a long way to limit HGV shortages and have had a marked impact.
However, while it has improved, the industry still faces issues, including:
- Job gaps left by EU citizens
- An ageing workforce – only around 2% of HGV drivers are under 25 and the average age of HGV drivers is still around 55
- IR35, or intermediaries legislation – UK tax legislation which has vastly changed employment practices and attractiveness for HGV drivers
- An ever-increasing trend for online shopping and the rise of retail giants, like Temu and Shein, who sell products widely in large volume across the globe
- Public opinion of HGV driving as a career choice
As such, the industry are expecting to feel the influence of the HGV shortage for a while to come, especially during very busy periods, like Christmas.
*Think you could make a difference in the HGV shortage? Drop the team a message – we’d be happy to help you get your training journey on the road.
Can the HGV shortage be a possibility?
The easiest way to curtail the HGV shortage is to retrain as an HGV driver yourself.
While the shortage of HGV drivers is a bad thing for the economy, for people interested in retraining it provides a wonderful opportunity.
Whether you are a professional who works in a different field or a recent school leaver just entering the world of work, HGV driving could be the ideal career for you.
Similarly, as most HGV training can completed in as little as a few months, you’ll soon be enjoying the range of benefits, which includes:
- Plentiful work
- The freedom to work independently and choose your own hours
- Competitive rates of pay
- The ability to travel and see more of the UK
- Vast progression opportunities
- Large numbers of professional driving job types to choose from – allowing drivers to specialise in their personal interests, for example driving HIABs or ADR
Bringing an end to the HGV shortage rate in no time!
Choose HGVTN to start driving professionally
Whether you already have driving experience or are a complete newbie, HGV Training Network and our experienced team can help.
With HGV Training and HGV training finance to help you get on the road quicker, without delay, what are you waiting for?
To find out more, you can call us on 0800 254 5007 or fill in our contact form with some basic information about yourself – we’ll get back to you as soon as we can to get you started!
