Driver recruitment ‘needs government jump-start’
Logistics UK has warned of “pressing concerns” around HGV driver recruitment and retention following the publication of its latest Skills and Employment Update, based on analysis of data from the first quarter of 2025.
For HGV drivers, the average age is 48 years old and more than half of the profession are over 50, Logistics UK says – and the report indicates that fleet operators are facing significant difficulties in recruiting them, with 14.5 per cent reporting severe or very severe issues.
The trade association also highlighted government employment data released last week which indicated that unemployment was at its highest level since June 2021, having increased to 4.7 per cent in the three months to May.
Bethany Windsor, head of skills policy at Logistics UK, warned that the ageing workforce, combined with recruitment difficulties, posed a “recipe for potential disaster” in the future unless action was taken.
“The situation is being made more difficult by recent government decisions to devolve effective initiatives at a time when a long-term national approach to recruitment and retention would be more appropriate,” said Ms Windsor, in reference to the government’s decision to end centralised funding for the HGV skills bootcamps which have trained more than 20,000 drivers since their launch in 2022.
Highlighting the scheme’s 72 per cent job placement rate, she said it had been effective in attracting the unemployed and those changing careers.
“Yet all training is set to end by 30 September 2025 with responsibility shifting to devolved authorities, despite only a few regions having replacement funding in place at present,” she continued.
“Industry is ready and willing to work with government to address recruitment challenges while initiatives such as Generation Logistics are raising awareness and making roles like HGV driving more appealing to a younger and more diverse workforce.
“We have already weathered an acute shortage of qualified drivers and other staff exacerbated by the pandemic. While plans have been put in place to reverse the decline in recruitment, the decision to end centralised funding and shift responsibility to devolved authorities at this stage seems premature and risks a patchy and inconsistent national response.
“The sector needs a coordinated approach to recruitment; on behalf of our members, we are pressing the government to work with industry to support alternative training pathways to recruit, and address working conditions that affect retention, both of which are critical for stabilising and building resilience into the sector.”
However, the trade group’s Skills and Employment Update offered positive news in other areas, it said, indicating that van and forklift drivers were easier positions to fill. Fifty per cent and 41.3 per cent of businesses, respectively, reported that they expected no problems in filling such vacancies.
