A new report from the Road Haulage Association (RHA) has highlighted the need for 200,000 new lorry drivers in the UK over the next five years to prevent a repeat of the 2021 driver shortage. The report, titled Lorry Drivers – the Vital Link – Attracting, Training and Retaining Key Workers in the UK Supply Chain, warns that 40,000 new HGV drivers will be required annually to meet demand and maintain supply chain stability.
With 81% of all freight in the UK transported by road, the RHA stresses that the industry plays a critical role in delivering essential goods, including food, medicine, fuel, and construction materials. The report identifies several ongoing challenges in the sector, including an ageing workforce, a lack of diversity, and issues with driver retention.
“Businesses across the road transport sector are key economic enablers – and attracting people into the industry and building the foundations for a future workforce is essential. If we’re to future-proof the industry for the long term, we need to recruit, train and retain tens of thousands of drivers annually to meet demand. With an ageing workforce, we also need to attract more young people into the industry. To get there, we must prioritise flexible, funded training options,” stated RHA Skills Policy Lead Sally Gilson.
The RHA is calling for greater flexibility in the Growth and Skills Levy to allow businesses to use funds for training options that best suit their needs. The report also recommends closer collaboration between the industry, schools, and colleges to promote careers in logistics. Additionally, the association urges the government to work with employers and educational institutions to develop industry-specific training programmes, such as T-Levels.
The RHA emphasises that government support, industry collaboration, and investment in training will be essential in ensuring the sector has the workforce needed to sustain growth over the next decade.