Commenting on the higher funding band for HGV driver training, Sally Gilson, RHA Policy Lead for Skills and Drivers, said:
“This move is much needed given rising costs and inflation, and will help get more new drivers behind the wheel.”
The RHA nonetheless admitted it was disappointed with the corresponding increase for HGV technicians, which it believes is is “inadequate to tackle shortages”.
The funding band is to go up from £15,000 to £20,000.
Although that may seem significant on paper, the RHA says this is actually a “real terms reduction” as well as being below the £23,000 figure it believes is needed to make the training courses viable.
The RHA has observed how the amount of training providers in the UK has declined in recent years, despite the fact the country is experiencing a HGV technician shortage.
On this issue, Gilson added:
“This is a missed opportunity to help our industry tackle the shortage of technicians. The underfunding of these courses has had a profound impact on bringing new talent into the industry. We acknowledge the increased funding band but realistically it falls short to encourage training providers to run these courses. We also run the risk of current providers leaving the market. We urge ministers to reconsider and pledge the £23,000 funding we need.”
The statement from the RHA comes following an FT report that claimed that the UK is facing a HGV mechanic shortage that could even be severe enough to create similar supermarket supply chain problems to Autumn 2021.
The FT writes that the shortage has been exacerbated by mechanics deciding to get behind the wheel of trucks themselves due to increased wages in the HGV driving profession. The article also cities a November survey of 207 members, in which 54% faced a “severe” problem hiring enough fitters, technicians and mechanics, compared with 35% the year before.
Photo by Gustavo Fring