UK must recruit and train 60,000 HGV drivers every year, new RHA figures reveal

Around 100,000 HGV drivers have allowed their Driver Qualification Card (DQC) to lapse in the last year, representing one in six of all working age drivers. A significant proportion of those leaving the industry are in their 30s and 40s. The RHA now estimates that 60,000 drivers need to be trained each year for the next five years to meet demand and support growth.

With 80% of goods and materials transported on UK roads in lorries, businesses in the road freight sector are key economic enablers. Urgently addressing this issue is therefore vital to the wider economy. Richard Smith, RHA MD, said: "To future-proof businesses and the supply chain for the long term, driver recruitment, training and retention must be an urgent priority for government.

"With an ageing workforce and significant numbers of experienced drivers leaving the profession, attracting people into HGV driving has become increasingly urgent. "HGV driver bootcamp training has been closed nationally, leaving many firms struggling to pay for training at a time when costs are rising. We want to see these bootcamps reinstated until the Growth and Skills Levy is reformed to allow permanent driver training programmes."

Many are also departing due to long working hours and existing challenges around a lack of roadside facilities and secure parking. Smith added: "A lack of roadside facilities, safe and secure parking remains a chronic issue too.

We're making headway, but there's a long way to go on that, and the work on this continues. "A thriving road freight and logistics sector is a key enabler - but the goods and materials our economy needs to prosper can't move if we don't have enough people behind the wheel. So, our message to government is clear.

Work with us to future-proof our workforce to ensure drivers are in place for the next decade and beyond."

The RHA is calling on industry partners, training providers and decision-makers locally and nationally to work together on long-term solutions to address these challenges.