MPs launch driver shortage probe
The House of Commons transport select committee has announced that it is launching an investigation into skills and workforce planning in the road haulage sector. Among the topics it will consider is the action government has taken to address industry concerns about the driver shortage, and the effectiveness thereof.
Areas of interest to the committee include the extent to which driver shortage statistics are borne out by road haulage firms’ experience; the government’s role in supporting recruitment and encouraging diversity within the sector; aspects of government policy that may deter new recruits (the committee cites proposals to ban daytime deliveries in cities as an example); the role of Driver CPC in improving the safety and professionalism of both UK and foreign drivers; and the quality of roadside facilities for drivers.
The Road Haulage Association (RHA) said it: “very much welcomes this inquiry, taking the view that current government inaction about the shortage of drivers is unacceptable.
“We will be submitting evidence to the inquiry and welcome comments from members ahead of the 19 October response deadline.”
The Freight Transport Association added that the inquiry was “good news for the economy.”
“FTA is delighted that the transport committee is going to investigate the lack of skilled drivers as this has been an important issue for our members who have been concerned about this for some time,” said David Wells, FTA chief executive.
“In our recent conversations with MPs we have emphasised the real problems the logistics sector is having in attracting new recruits and suggested that government and the industry need to work together to find solutions which enable us to keep delivering the goods for the UK economy.”
FTA warned that the freight industry was facing “attract and recruit sufficient people to professional driving” and said that the shortage had “reached crisis point.”
The deadline for submissions to the inquiry is 19 October. In addition to expressing their views to trade associations, operators can submit evidence directly to the committee here.
