{"id":2672,"date":"2024-11-27T11:47:08","date_gmt":"2024-11-27T11:47:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/prism7resourcing.co.uk\/?p=2672"},"modified":"2024-11-27T11:47:10","modified_gmt":"2024-11-27T11:47:10","slug":"hgv-driver-shortages-in-2024-revisiting-the-issue","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/prism7resourcing.co.uk\/hgv-driver-shortages-in-2024-revisiting-the-issue\/","title":{"rendered":"HGV Driver Shortages in 2024: Revisiting the Issue"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Last year we wrote an article exploring the shortages of HGV drivers that the transport and logistics industry has been facing since 2021\/2022, and looked at how that had improved. Today we wanted to revisit this and discuss what has happened over the past year, so, after years of challenges is the HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicle) industry in the UK still grappling with a driver shortage in 2024?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While there have been notable improvements, particularly in entry-level and local driving roles, persistent challenges continue to impact long-haul and specialised driving positions. Read on below to see the factors contributing to these shortages, see what progress has made since 2023, and the future outlook for drivers and employers alike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Current Status of HGV Driver Shortages<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Overall Improvements<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Since the beginning of shortages, the UK government has introduced several targeted initiatives to address HGV driver shortages, aiming to bring new entrants into the industry and up skill existing drivers. Examples include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Skills Bootcamps for HGV Drivers:<\/strong> The Department for Education expanded funding for Skills Bootcamps in England, allowing aspiring HGV drivers to participate in up to 16 weeks of free training with a job guarantee upon completion. According to government reports, over 10,000 new drivers have joined the workforce through these bootcamps since the program's inception. <strong><em>In Jan 2024 the government extended skills bootcamps scheme to Feb 2026, showing a continued commitment to increasing driving talent.<\/em><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Expanded DVSA Testing Slots:<\/strong> The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) increased HGV testing availability by recruiting additional examiners, opening more testing locations, and adding weekend testing slots. This effort led to a 25% increase in available testing appointments, helping to reduce the driver licensing bottleneck and get new drivers on the road faster.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>These government programs have helped stabilise HGV driver numbers in entry-level positions, and employers have responded by raising wages and enhancing benefits to retain these new recruits. Such increases have been particularly effective for local driving roles, where candidates now see better prospects for work-life balance alongside competitive pay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are interested in finding out more about any of the schemes and routes to starting your journey as a new driver then you can check out our previous guide - <a href=\"https:\/\/prism7resourcing.co.uk\/how-to-start-your-career-as-an-hgv-driver\/\">How to start your career as an HGV Driver<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ongoing Shortages in Long-Haul and Specialised HGV Roles<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Despite these advancements, long-haul and specialised HGV roles still face recruitment difficulties. Drivers in these roles often report dissatisfaction with pay and working conditions, especially in light of the physical demands, extended hours, and limited roadside amenities that come with the job. Recruitment for these roles remains challenging as a result, as many drivers either prefer local roles or leave the industry altogether.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:39px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full has-custom-border\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"900\" src=\"https:\/\/prism7resourcing.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/hgv-driver-shortages-2024-update-web-images-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2696\" style=\"border-radius:12px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/prism7resourcing.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/hgv-driver-shortages-2024-update-web-images-1.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/prism7resourcing.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/hgv-driver-shortages-2024-update-web-images-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/prism7resourcing.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/hgv-driver-shortages-2024-update-web-images-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/prism7resourcing.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/hgv-driver-shortages-2024-update-web-images-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/prism7resourcing.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/hgv-driver-shortages-2024-update-web-images-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:39px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Key Factors Influencing HGV Driver Availability<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Training and Licensing: Progress and Challenges<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Government efforts, including the Skills Bootcamp program, have eased entry into the HGV industry by making training more accessible. However, high training costs, even with support, and complex certification requirements still deter many candidates. For example, the DVSA reports that although testing availability has improved, pass rates remain around 60%, meaning many candidates face repeated tests, increasing their expenses and delaying their entry into the workforce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Working Conditions: Improvements and Persistent Challenges<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Working conditions for HGV drivers, particularly in long-haul roles, continue to deter many from the profession. While the UK government committed a \u00a3100 million investment in 2023 for upgrading roadside facilities, including rest stops and basic amenities, drivers report that the progress on these projects remains slow. In the latest survey from the Road Haulage Association (RHA), over 70% of drivers expressed dissatisfaction with the quality of available roadside facilities, suggesting that substantial improvements are still needed to make long-haul driving more attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Brexit and Labor Supply<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Brexit remains a pivotal factor in the HGV driver shortage. With reduced access to EU labor, the industry has faced sustained difficulties in sourcing international drivers. Post-Brexit visa policies have restricted EU driver recruitment, leading to an ongoing shortage of experienced drivers available for hire. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) recently reported that EU drivers in the UK have decreased by over 50% since Brexit, contributing to the sustained driver shortage, especially for specialised and long-haul positions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Evolving Recruitment Landscape for HGV Drivers in 2024<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Wages and Compensation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In response to the crisis, wages have increased across many HGV roles, with employers recognising the need to better compensate drivers. According to the latest RHA survey, wages for entry-level and local drivers have increased by an average of 15% since 2022. However, many drivers still feel that pay does not adequately reflect the job's demands, particularly in long-haul positions. These pay concerns pose ongoing challenges to recruiting and retaining skilled drivers, especially as alternative industries now offer competitive wages for less demanding roles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Diverse Recruitment Efforts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>As the industry seeks to diversify, recruitment campaigns have targeted underrepresented demographics, such as young adults, women, and ethnic minorities. For example, the Logistics Skills Network launched a campaign in 2023 specifically aimed at recruiting more female drivers, supported by grants for driver training. As a result, the percentage of female HGV drivers rose slightly from 1.5% in 2022 to 2.2% in early 2024. These initiatives are beginning to yield results, though sustained investment will be necessary to continue diversifying the workforce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full has-custom-border\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"900\" src=\"https:\/\/prism7resourcing.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/hgv-driver-shortages-2024-update-web-images-2.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2697\" style=\"border-radius:12px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/prism7resourcing.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/hgv-driver-shortages-2024-update-web-images-2.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/prism7resourcing.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/hgv-driver-shortages-2024-update-web-images-2-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/prism7resourcing.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/hgv-driver-shortages-2024-update-web-images-2-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/prism7resourcing.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/hgv-driver-shortages-2024-update-web-images-2-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/prism7resourcing.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/hgv-driver-shortages-2024-update-web-images-2-1536x864.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:39px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Future Outlook for HGV Drivers and Employers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Long-Term Industry Strategies<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Looking forward, the industry\u2019s primary challenge remains balancing workforce supply with demand for HGV services. Long-term solutions involve continued government investment in training, improvements in working conditions, and potential automation to address repetitive tasks within the industry. Trials for automated HGV convoy technology, which started in 2023 under the UK government\u2019s \u00a38 million \u2018Freight Innovation Fund,\u2019 show promise for alleviating demand, although full-scale implementation remains years away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Making HGV driving a more appealing career choice for younger generations also requires attention. Government programs, such as the Youth Employment Initiative, offer support to young adults entering vocational careers like HGV driving. This sustained focus on accessible training and driver retention is essential if the industry aims to stabilise its workforce in the coming years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Prism 7 Resourcing\u2019s Role in Supporting Employers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Prism 7 Resourcing has been at the forefront of helping businesses find the drivers they need, even in a challenging recruitment landscape. We've seen the direct impact HGV driver shortages have had on our clients, and tried to help mitigate this with short term solutions like temporary drivers. By maintaining an extensive network of experienced drivers and offering flexible staffing solutions, we try to assist our clients by having the availability they need to cover busy periods and increased requirements. We understand that we play a vital role in supporting both driver retention and recruitment, providing reliable staffing even amid industry shortages. It has been great to see the shortages decreasing over the past few years, there's still a way to go but with the support on offer to new drivers we believe the pressure has been greatly decreased this past year. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Since 2021 The HGV Driver workforce has seen improvements in recruitment, training opportunities, and wage increases, which have contributed to stabilising the industry. However, long-haul positions, work conditions, and the post-Brexit labor market remain significant challenges in 2024. Continued investment, both from the government and within the industry, is essential to ensure sustainable growth and retain skilled drivers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As one of the leaders in HGV recruitment solutions in the UK, Prism 7 Resourcing will continue supporting businesses in tackling these challenges, helping them navigate driver shortages and securing skilled candidates for long-term operational success. Although progress is evident, it is clear that a sustained, collaborative approach will be necessary to overcome the remaining hurdles in HGV recruitment and retention in the coming years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:47px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/prism7resourcing.co.uk\/sectors\/transport-logistics\/\">Transport &amp; Logistic Recruitment<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:47px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Last year we wrote an article exploring the shortages of HGV drivers that the transport and logistics industry has been facing since 2021\/2022, and looked at how that had improved. Today we wanted to revisit this and discuss what has happened over the past year, so, after years of challenges is the HGV (Heavy Goods [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":2699,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"rank_math_lock_modified_date":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[17],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2672","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-prism-7-news"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/prism7resourcing.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2672","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/prism7resourcing.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/prism7resourcing.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/prism7resourcing.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/prism7resourcing.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2672"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/prism7resourcing.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2672\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2698,"href":"https:\/\/prism7resourcing.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2672\/revisions\/2698"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/prism7resourcing.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2699"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/prism7resourcing.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2672"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/prism7resourcing.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2672"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/prism7resourcing.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2672"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}