Apr 29th, 2021
2 mins
There is concern currently about a shortage of HGV drivers. This has been created by a number of issues from new IR-35 changes, and the impact this has had on agency and sub-contractors, to a reduction in the availability of non-UK national labour created by a combination of Brexit and travel restrictions due to Covid.
RHA cite a 70k shortage, although the number has been around for some time, indeed it may even be high than this currently. There has been a long-term issue of attracting young people into the industry, plus with Covid the flow of newly qualified drivers has ceased.
The BFFF, together with a number of other trade bodies, are pressing for relaxation on driver hours plus we must encourage Government to put HGV drivers on the Skills Shortage List to help the industry attract back some of the EU labour that has left since the Brexit vote.
If any member is having specific issues, please keep the BFFF updated as we can use this information in our discussions with Government.
