While a range of measures has been implemented by the government to tackle the ongoing UK HGV driver shortage, it’s widely viewed that the battle to improve numbers will be a long and protracted one. However, according to Logistics UK, the latest ONS Labour Force Survey Data show that there are signs of recovery being seen.

The shortage of HGV drivers remains chronic, however, it appears that the number currently in employment has not fallen as acutely as it has in previous quarters. This is being viewed by some as a reason for cautious optimism that the initiatives put into place since late 2021 are steadily beginning to yield results.

“Hard work paying off” – Sarah Watkins

Speaking on the matter, Deputy Director of Policy Information at Logistics UK, Sarah Watkins expressed positivity of her own:

“Government and industry have worked hard to address the key issues which have affected the recruitment of HGV drivers in the past. The reduction in numbers of HGV drivers in employment, generally caused by retirements or shifts into other careers, slowed in the first quarter of 2022, compared with the second half of 2021.

This illustrates how actions such as increased wages for drivers, drivers’ skills boot camps and improved throughputs of testing by DVSA are beginning to address the loss of skilled workers which we have seen in the recent past.“

“Hardly any surplus HGV drivers available”

Watkins continued, praising the work done by the DVSA, saying “Such a large increase in the number of HGV tests being undertaken is testament to the work being done by DVSA to address its testing backlog, alongside the industry’s commitment to encouraging new recruits to join the industry.

Simultaneously, the very low number of HGV drivers claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance fell 70% from Q1 2019 to Q1 2022 indicating that there are hardly any surplus HGV drivers available for work. Attracting and retaining new recruits and existing HGV drivers in the sector remains a critical priority for the logistics industry to secure a talent pipeline for years to come.

Slower Falls Than Previously Seen

The latest ONS data indicates that while HGV driver numbers have fallen by some 30,300 during the first quarter of 2022, this is significantly lower than in Q3 (44,900) and Q4 (49,000) of 2021. However, to offset this, DVSA testing data shows that 26,388 practical HGV tests were conducted during Q1 of 2022 – representing a 43% increase compared with Q1 of 2019.

March alone saw record levels of tests being undertaken – 10,481 – with a 60% pass rate. Also, HGV driver pay has increased, resulting in higher retention of staff and more people being attracted to the industry. This is illustrated by advertised salaries during Q1 2022 for qualified drivers being, on average, 25% higher than they were just 12 months ago.

Good News, But Much Work Still to Be Done

While it’s important not to get too far ahead of ourselves, this data provides welcome news for an industry that’s been through much over the last few years. What happens next is crucial for the sector, but should these trends continue over the long-term, it points toward a much brighter and more settled future for everyone involved.

At HGVC, we’re doing our part to bring new talent to the industry with our leading HGV driving licence acquisition programs. Delivered across our national network of training centres by our experienced team of instructors, we’re able to help, no matter how large or small the needs of your organisation are.

If you’d like to know more about us and what we do, please take a moment to browse our website. However, if you’d like to get in touch with us, you can either click ‘contact us’ or call 0330 818 8888. There our team is ready and waiting to help you in any way they can.