🕒 Article read time: 3 minutes
Driving a solution to the skills shortage
The skills shortage in logistics, and shortage of qualified HGV and van drivers in particular, is not a new issue for the sector to address.
However, the situation has dramatically worsened in the past six months as the UK’s Exit from the EU has resulted in large numbers of EU nationals working in logistics choosing to leave the UK. The shortage of qualified HGV drivers is expected to reach over 70,000 this year, with vacancies for van drivers and other logistics workers also rising significantly.
There are a number of policy issues that, if resolved, would make a significant difference to addressing these issues. These barriers to driver recruitment include the shut down of Driver Testing by DVSA due to COVID-19; the failure of the Apprenticeship Levy to provide adequate funding for driver training; an immigration policy which prevents qualified Level 2 drivers from outside the UK from being eligible for work visas, and poor driver facilities nationwide, which deter new entrants from joining the sector.
Logistics UK is campaigning for:
- COVID-secure resumption of driver testing
- Apprenticeship Levy reforms and additional training funding through grants or interest-free loans
- HGV drivers to be added to the Shortage Occupation List
- Better driver facilities such as secure parking and rest stops, and improved hygiene facilities
In addition to the policy measures proposed above, Logistics UK is involved in a number of industry campaigns which aim to improve the perception of logistics as a sector, such as contacting young people through the Think Logistics campaign. We have a separate work programme underway to step up our promotional activity with members to support their own recruitment efforts, which includes a number of campaign plans that members can tap into, and also to work with the Department for Work and Pensions to promote our sector to people reskilling due to the economic impact of COVID-19.  We are also supporting the Trailblazer group to establish more fundable training courses under Apprenticeship Levy rules. Underpinning all of this, Logistics UK is engaging members through the new Employment Action Group, which reports to Road Council. 
To support these activities, Logistics UK is keen to hear from any members with success stories to share of new entrants to the sector, either school leavers or older who have joined the industry in the past two years and who are thriving in our industry. Case studies work well with young people, who appreciate seeing successful candidates like themselves in employment. Please get in touch with rhunnisett@logistics.org.uk if you have a member of staff you would like us to feature.
Published On: 03/12/2020 16:00:43
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