HGV Driver Shortages in 2023: Is There Still a Problem?

The HGV driver shortage has been a major issue in the UK for several years now, and it is still having a significant impact on businesses across the country. In 2022, the UK was estimated to be short of around 100,000 HGV drivers, and while this number has reduced slightly in 2023, there is still a significant shortage. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), there were 304,000 HGV drivers in the UK in Q1 2023, which is slightly down from 307,000 in Q4 2022. However, this is still well below the pre-pandemic level of 334,000 drivers in Q4 2019.

There are a number of factors that have contributed to the HGV driver shortage we have faced, including:

• An ageing workforce: Many HGV drivers are nearing retirement age, and there are not enough younger drivers coming into the industry to replace them.
• Brexit: Brexit has made it more difficult for foreign HGV drivers to work in the UK, which has further exacerbated the shortage.
• The COVID-19 pandemic: The pandemic has had a significant impact on the HGV industry, and many drivers have left the profession as a result.

The HGV driver shortage is having a number of negative consequences for businesses in the UK. It is making it more difficult and expensive to transport goods, and it is also leading to delays in deliveries. This is having a knock-on effect on the economy as a whole.

The UK government has taken a number of steps to address the HGV driver shortage, including:

• Introducing a temporary visa scheme for EU drivers.
• Providing funding for driver training.
• Making changes to the HGV driving test.

The government has also announced a review of the HGV driver shortage, which is due to report in early 2024.

The Outlook for 2023 and beyond

The outlook for the HGV driver shortage in 2023 and beyond is mixed. On the one hand, the government's measures are likely to help to alleviate the shortage to some extent. On the other hand, the ageing workforce and lack of new drivers entering the industry are likely to continue to put pressure on the supply of drivers.

We believe it looks promising that the situation will continue to improve with the progress made over the last couple of years.

What can businesses do to help address the HGV driver shortage?

If you are a business still struggling to source drivers for your fleet, then this advice may help you secure and retain more drivers. There are a number of things that businesses can do to help address the HGV driver shortage, including:

• Review your salaries and benefits package. Make sure you are offering competitive salaries and benefits, including things like paid time off, sick pay, and health insurance.
• Make your workplace more attractive. This could include things like investing in new equipment, providing training and development opportunities, and creating a positive working environment.
• Consider using a recruitment agency. A recruitment agency can help you to find qualified drivers who are available to work for your business.

If you are struggling to find drivers, you should speak to an agency like Prism 7 Resourcing. We have a network of experienced drivers who are looking for work. We can help you to find the right drivers for your needs, and we can also provide you with support to help you retain your drivers.

In addition to the above, businesses should also consider the following:

• Be flexible with your working arrangements. This could include offering flexible hours, part-time work, or shift work.
• Target new demographics. For example, you could consider recruiting women, older drivers, or ex-military personnel.
• Invest in driver training. This could include training new drivers or training existing drivers on new equipment or procedures.
• Work with other businesses in your industry. You could share resources, such as drivers, or you could work together to promote the HGV driver profession.

By taking these steps, businesses can improve their chances of sourcing drivers for their fleet.

What Prism 7 Resourcing Can Do To Help You

There are plenty of companies out their doing there best to combat the driver shortages, by training new drivers, testing new initiatives and making use of government schemes for support. However at Prism 7 Resourcing our expertise are in resourcing aimed at existing experienced drivers, believe us when we say we have felt the pinch caused by drivers shortages just as much as some of the employers. Our main goal for our clients is to keep their operations running smoothly and overall meet their end customer demand.

Prism 7 Resourcing is committed to helping businesses to address the HGV driver shortage. We offer staff solutions for a range of transport and driver roles, including:

• HGV class 1 drivers
• HGV class 2 drivers
• Delivery drivers/van drivers
• 3.5t Drivers
• 7.5t Drivers
• Transport Coordinators
• Transport Managers

We work with businesses of all sizes to provide them with the HGV drivers they need to operate efficiently and effectively. If you are a business that is struggling to recruit or retain HGV drivers, please contact Prism 7 Resourcing today for support. We can help you to find a solution that is right for your business.