The tailored initiatives launched by the logistics industry to recruit the next generation of HGV drivers appear to be bearing fruit.
This is according to the latest data published by business group Logistics UK in its most recent Skills and Employment update.
The publication collates bespoke national analysis of national statistics and findings from the group’s quarterly member survey.
It has revealed that the number of HGV drivers employed in the UK increased by almost 55,000 between Q3 2023 and Q3 2024, while targeted recruitment and training initiatives saw the number of drivers under 35 rise by 31,630.
According to Logistics UK, the total increase in UK HGV drivers in the 12 months to the end of Q3 2024 was 54,961, an increase of 20.9%.
However, despite the number of younger drivers increasing, the industry is still over-reliant on drivers from older age groups with over 53% of drivers employed across the sector aged 50 and over.
This, according to the trade body, could pose a risk of future shortages as retirements increase.
Bethany Windsor, Head of Skills Policy at the organisation, explains that the growth in driver numbers reflects targeted recruitment, higher wages, and government-supported training to counteract post-EU Exit workforce gaps:
She said: “It is great news that more younger drivers are coming into the profession, but we cannot shy away from the reality that challenges in pay, conditions and workforce demographics still exist and can create recruitment and retention issues for the long term.
“Addressing these systemic problems, rather than focusing solely on the number of drivers available for work, may offer a more sustainable solution for the HGV industry in the UK.
"Initiatives such as Generation Logistics are having a great impact in raising awareness of the profession as a whole and we continue to press the government to confirm that it will continue to contribute funding to support the programme in 2025.”
Logistics UK’s Skills and Employment Update also reveals that companies are still facing challenges recruiting skilled roles, such as technicians.
Over half of businesses (51.8%) report severe recruitment issues in these areas according to Logistics UK, although businesses claim that more general roles like forklift drivers and warehouse staff are comparatively easier to recruit.
The report suggests the reason for this is that these roles typically require less specialised training and have a larger pool of potential applicants.
Ms Windsor continues, “It is essential for the sector to take a long-term view to address the gaps in skills that the sector is experiencing, especially with and technicians.
"Logistics is one of the UK’s foundational sectors that powers the wider economy and it is vital that logistics becomes embedded in wider opinion as a long-term career, like retail, hospitality or healthcare.
"Logistics UK continues to work with government to highlight the importance of long-term training strategies to ensure a sustainable future for the sector and a prosperous economy.”