The road transport sector is a critical component of the supply chain, with 81% of all freight in the UK being transported by road. This industry plays a vital role in ensuring the smooth flow of goods such as food, medicine, fuel, and construction materials. However, a new report from the Road Haulage Association (RHA) titled ‘Lorry drivers – the vital link – attracting, training and retaining key workers in the UK supply chain’ highlights the urgent need for 40,000 new drivers per year over the next five years.

The report emphasizes that the UK’s logistics industry will require a significant influx of new HGV drivers to meet growing demand and avoid the driver shortages experienced in 2021. The RHA also provides a set of recommendations aimed at improving driver retention within the industry. Key issues such as an ageing workforce, lack of diversity, and difficulties in retaining drivers are highlighted as structural challenges that need to be addressed promptly to prevent future disruptions in the supply chain.

Sally Gilson, RHA Skills Policy Lead, stresses the importance of attracting young people into the industry and developing a sustainable workforce for the future. She emphasizes the need for flexible and funded training options to recruit and retain tens of thousands of drivers annually. Gilson also points out the necessity for industry and government collaboration with training providers to mitigate rising costs and insolvencies and prevent future driver shortages.

To create career pathways and opportunities in road transport and logistics, the RHA proposes several key recommendations:

1. Greater flexibility within the Growth and Skills Levy to allow businesses in the road transport sector to utilize funds effectively for more flexible training options.
2. Employers should have the autonomy to choose courses and training that best suit their needs.
3. Increased collaboration between industry stakeholders and educational institutions at a local level to promote careers in logistics.
4. Government collaboration with employers and educational institutions to develop industry-specific training programs like T-Levels.

The RHA report provides valuable insights and recommendations for addressing the challenges faced by the road transport sector in attracting, training, and retaining drivers. By implementing these recommendations and fostering collaboration between industry stakeholders, educational institutions, and government bodies, the industry can work towards building a sustainable and skilled workforce to meet the growing demands of the logistics sector.

To access the full report from the RHA and learn more about their recommendations, please visit: [link to report].