The i Paper investigates the severe shortage of truck drivers in the UK and how it could derail government housebuilding plans. Two former drivers share their experiences of why they left the industry after less than 18 months, highlighting issues of low pay, inconsistent work, demanding hours, and a lack of respect.
The i Paper has revealed how a severe shortage of truck drivers could derail Government housebuilding plans. Two drivers, Josh and Niall, share their experiences of why they left the industry after less than 18 months. Josh, 18 when he started, had a passion for driving but found the reality of the job far from the promises made. He invested £2,500 in an HGV training course in Newcastle, hoping to earn £30,000 per year.
However, the wages were often far lower, especially for new drivers like him. He struggled to find consistent work, with agencies demanding unreasonable availability and poor work conditions. Insurance costs for new drivers were also cited as a significant barrier by the Road Haulage Association (RHA). Josh described the industry as exploitative, with drivers often being treated with disrespect and expected to work long, unsociable hours for little reward. He eventually left trucking after 12 months, opting instead for labouring and eventually starting his own plumbing business. He found the working conditions and respect significantly better in his new profession. Niall, a 42-year-old former civil servant, qualified as an HGV driver after a week of training, hoping to pursue his lifelong dream. He too encountered difficulties, facing similar issues of low pay, inconsistent work, and demanding work conditions. The RHA has highlighted the persistent struggle to recruit new drivers, attributing it to a combination of factors, including high insurance premiums and the arduous nature of the job. The i Paper's investigation reveals a stark reality within the trucking industry, with a critical shortage of drivers threatening to disrupt supply chains and impact government initiatives
TRUCK DRIVER SHORTAGE LOGISTICS INDUSTRY HOUSEBUILDING UK ECONOMY DRIVER EXPERIENCE
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