{"id":11328,"date":"2022-02-23T16:18:43","date_gmt":"2022-02-23T16:18:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.surreyandhampshirehgvtraining.co.uk\/?p=11328"},"modified":"2022-03-23T16:19:24","modified_gmt":"2022-03-23T16:19:24","slug":"is-the-hgv-driver-shortage-still-serious-in-2022","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.surreyandhampshirehgvtraining.co.uk\/index.php\/is-the-hgv-driver-shortage-still-serious-in-2022\/","title":{"rendered":"Is the HGV Driver Shortage Still Serious in 2022?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Despite hopes the HGV driver shortage would be \u201ceasing\u201d by the start of 2022, many experts believe there\u2019s still a way to go before the UK is back on track. Over the last few months, governments have taken a number of steps to fight against the shortages, from <\/span>scrapping the limits<\/span><\/a> on the number of deliveries EU drivers could make, to welcoming outside drivers back into the country.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Though these efforts are helping to push the industry back in the right direction, there\u2019s more work to be done. According to Andrew Opie, the Director of Food and Sustainability for the British Retail Consortium, the problem will continue to have a <\/span>serious impact on the UK economy<\/span><\/a> until at least the middle of 2022.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Measuring the Scope of the Shortage<\/span><\/h2>\n

Demand continues to skyrocket for HGV drivers across the UK, as logistics companies and huge brands struggle to deliver products around the country. According to an open letter issued to the government by the Road Haulage association, we could be dealing with a shortage of <\/span>at least 100,000 qualified drivers<\/span><\/a> in the country.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

These estimates are similar to those put forward by Logistics UK, who say the shortfall of qualified workers is probably <\/span>around 90,000<\/span><\/a>. Lack of access to HGV drivers means that numerous other parts of the economy in the UK are struggling. After all, <\/span>lorry drivers<\/span><\/a> make up an important part of the supply chain for many industries.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In the last few months, we\u2019ve noticed a distinct lack of resources in the UK, caused by issues with getting products like fuel, essential items, and even food distributed throughout the country. While these problems have been exacerbated by the pandemic, we\u2019ll struggle to continue serving the country as normal without access to the right drivers.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In certain cases, lack of access to lorry drivers can also mean significant waste. For instance, in the food and pharmaceutical industry, shipments need to be processed rapidly, and delivered to their required location as quickly as possible. Failure to find the correct HGV drivers in time could lead to the waste of essential food.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Why is the HGV Driver Shortage So Significant?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Without HGV drivers, we wouldn\u2019t have access to <\/span>endless sources of entertainment<\/span><\/a>, resources, and other essentials in the UK. As appreciation for these drivers continues to grow, benefits, salaries, and other advantages for licensed professionals have exploded. So, with so many great job opportunities available, why is there such a significant HGV driver shortage?<\/span><\/p>\n

There are a number of potential answers to this question, starting with the issue of Brexit. The UK\u2019s exit from the European Union meant a number of <\/span>non-UK residents<\/span><\/a> working in the HGV industry were forced to return to their home. This led to a significant drop in available employees.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

At the same time, the COVID pandemic forced a number of manufacturing companies and supply chain brands to shut their doors. During their time out of work, a number of HGV drivers found different jobs and left the industry behind.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

During the pandemic, we also saw a fewer people getting their HGV licenses, due to an inability to <\/span>conduct tests in person<\/span><\/a>. This backlog in examinations represents a significant problem at a time when many existing HGV drivers are retiring. Around 34% of lorry drivers in 2019 were over the age of 55, indicating a need for new generations to join the fold.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Combine the problems of the pandemic and Brexit with the fact that getting a HGV license hasn\u2019t always been easy for beginners, and it\u2019s easy to see why the country is struggling. On top of this, lack of education about what it\u2019s really like to become an HGV driver has left a lot of people refusing to look into the option for their own career path after school.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Can the HGV Driver Shortage be Fixed?<\/span><\/h2>\n

The UK is reliant on HGV drivers and lorry drivers to continue running smoothly. Because of this, the government is already taking action to try and address the driver shortage head-on. This has led to more European drivers being allowed back into the country to manage some of the gaps. Additionally, the government has announced various other steps to handle the issue, such as:<\/span><\/p>\n