The Hidden Reasons Behind the HGV Driver Shortage in the UK

There has been an ongoing debate regarding the scarcity of Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) drivers in the United Kingdom. Many attribute the shortage to the impact of Brexit, while others argue that there are deeper and more complex factors involved. In reality, the root causes of the HGV driver shortage are multifaceted and not solely due to the exit from the European Union (EU). This article explores the hidden reasons behind this critical issue.

A Demoralized Truck Driving Community

The UK HGV driving community experienced a significant upheaval post-Brexit. With the country leaving a trading bloc of 27 other EU states, the demand for skilled professionals in this industry has dramatically declined. The truck driving profession is often associated with long, unsocial hours, requiring drivers to stay away from home and sometimes sleep in their vehicles. These working conditions can be challenging, even for those who enjoy the lifestyle. As a result, many experienced drivers have left the profession, leading to a significant reduction in the available workforce. This is evident in the 'ex-truck driver' tent city down the road, where former drivers gather, reminiscent of the days when they were fully engaged in their career.

The Impact of EU Regulations on licensing Ages

Another overlooked factor is the influence of EU regulations on licensing ages. Prior to 2009, the legal age to obtain a HGV 1 license in the UK was 21, while in other parts of Europe, it was set at 18 years old. This regulation effectively delayed many young individuals’ aspirations to become lorry drivers, as it required them to wait an additional five years before being eligible to apply for a license. One notable example is a friend who left school at 16. Initially, they had a keen interest in becoming a lorry driver but faced a five-year wait before even being able to apply for a license. Consequently, they opted to pursue higher education at college and eventually university, ultimately earning a degree faster than acquiring a HGV 1 license. This change in EU regulations from 2009 onwards made it more attractive for young people to pursue bus or truck driving as a career choice, as the time required to start was reduced significantly, from five years to just one.

The Role of Freedom of Movement and Wages

The Freedom of Movement Act, a central pillar of the EU’s raison d'etre, played a crucial role in shaping the dynamics of the HGV driver market. This legislation allowed individuals from EU countries to move freely and work across the EU, including in the UK. This influx of labor from Eastern Europe, where wages were significantly lower, had a profound impact on the UK labor market. Employers found themselves with a ready supply of workers willing to accept wages that were far below the UK average, leading to a gradual erosion of salaries. As a result, what was once a well-paid, skill-intensive job became less lucrative over time. The cost of obtaining and maintaining HGV licenses eventually made the job unattractive for many, leading to a decline in the number of people interested in the profession.

Recovery and Future Prospects

HGV driving remains a highly desirable profession, with many aspiring to enter this field. However, it will take time for the salaries to catch up with the demands of the job, resulting in a period of shortage. Currently, there is an increasing trend of wage hikes reflecting the true value of the work, and as this continues, the attractiveness of the profession will be restored. The journey to booking and taking the HGV heavy goods vehicle license is lengthy, so the supply will not recover overnight. Nonetheless, the industry is working towards addressing these issues and ensuring a sustainable workforce.

Given these complex factors, it is clear that the HGV driver shortage in the UK is a multifaceted issue not entirely attributed to Brexit. The impact of EU regulations and the broader implications of the Freedom of Movement Act have played significant roles in shaping the current workforce dynamics. As the industry and the government work towards addressing these challenges, the path towards a revitalized and sustainable HGV driver community remains hopeful.