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Number of HGV drivers returns to 2019 levels, report shows
Logistics UK’s latest Skills and Employment Update, its quarterly analysis of national employment statistics, shows that the number of HGV drivers in employment is estimated to have returned to Q2 2019 levels, as the haulage industry adapted to the changed labour market left in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Although there was a slight fall of 0.6% (1,902) drivers in the second quarter of this year, the acute phase of the driver shortage can be said to have ended. However, even with the recovery of levels to Q2 2019, it should be remembered that there was still an estimated chronic shortfall of 60,000 drivers at that time.
PAY INCREASES STARTING TO SLOW
The update also covers data on vacancies and advertised salaries. Companies have increased pay in order to retain existing staff and attract new drivers. The rate of pay increase is slowing with the average rise expected to be 5.6% in the next six months. This is on top of the 11.9% awarded by respondents in the six months to the end of March 2022. Compared with a year ago, advertised salaries rose by an average of 12.4% in Q2 2022.
FEWER DRIVERS CLAIMING BENEFITS
The already very low number of HGV drivers claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance fell 70% from an average of 193 in Q2 2019 to 60 in Q2 2022. This number is so low, that it can be concluded that for the past couple of years, there are negligible numbers of HGV drivers available for work. However, 28,386 candidates undertook practical HGV tests in the second quarter of this year – an increase of 52% compared with Q2 2019 – and in further good news the pass rate reached 59.7%.
MECHANIC ROLES NOW THE HARDEST TO FILL
HGV mechanic roles are now the hardest to fill, with 95% of respondents to Logistics UK’s Logistics Performance Tracker experiencing problems filling vacancies, up from 79% in the first quarter of this year.
Sarah Watkins, Deputy Director – Policy Information, Logistics UK, said: “The headline figures for our latest Skills and Employment Update appear to be a cause for optimism among logistics operators looking to recruit and retain HGV drivers in the short to medium term. However, while the acute phase of the driver shortage appears to have largely ended, it must be remembered that even before the pandemic in 2019 there was an estimated chronic shortage of around 60,000 HGV drivers.
“We will continue our research into the employment trends in the logistics sector to help inform our members and the decision making by key policy makers.”
*www.logistics.org.uk/research-hub/reports/skills-and-employment-update
Published On: 22/09/2022 16:00:18
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