Unfavourable conditions threaten more jobs in the HGV sector

We have all been aware of the chronic shortage of drivers in the HGV sector over recent years, but it seems that the crisis is not over yet. Unfavourable working conditions are proving to be a massive drawback, causing some drivers to leave whilst putting new drivers off the career altogether.

Working conditions

Where you park your lorry during a rest stop is very important to ensure you are safe and get the rest that you need. It is believed that there is a shortage of around 11,000 lorry parking spaces, which has meant that drivers resort to stopping in laybys or industrial estates. Not only does this leave them exposed when it comes to safety, but it also lacks vital facilities such as toilets, food, or showers.

When truckers are able to find purpose-built facilities, they are often overpriced and in poor condition. With such little choice, it is no wonder that drivers are leaving the industry in their droves.

Drivers are also now under increased pressure thanks to the shortage of drivers. They have tight deadlines to meet on roads which seem to be getting busier by the day. Not only do they have to navigate streams of traffic and roadworks, but they are also faced with frightening examples of dangerous driving and aggression on a daily basis. This has led many to question whether the job is really worth it.

Diversity

HGV driving is an industry that has struggled to attract a diverse workforce, and these latest problems do little to change that. With such poor facilities on offer, it is thought that very few women will be brought into the sector. It is thought that it is not a lack of qualifications that is causing the shortage of drivers, but rather the poor conditions putting them off taking the jobs.

Mental health

There now seems to be a new epidemic of drivers who are seeking help for mental health problems. The combination of working shifts, low pay, threats to safety and even racism have all proved to be contributing factors towards a number of mental health issues, many of which are causing drivers to look for different employment. Some figures suggest that as many as one in four truck drivers are experiencing mental health issues in the space of a year.

It is worth noting that this is not unique to the HGV sector, as other drivers, such as taxi drivers, are also experiencing similar problems. This is hurting the industry in many different ways as it is said that businesses could lose between 7-100 billion each year from extended sick leave related to mental health issues.

Improvements

Whilst the HGV industry is far from perfect, it is making strides to improve things. There is more focus on driver wellbeing than ever before, both from the perspective of their physical comfort in the cab and their overall mental health.

The government has now announced significant investments to improve many roadside services by increasing security, improving lighting and adding more shower rooms. Whilst this is a step in the right direction, much more will be needed to get facilities up to the standard that is needed to service the industry as a whole.

It has often been assumed that pay and working hours have been the biggest sticking factor in recruiting new drivers and holding on to existing ones, but this fails to pay enough attention to the day to day conditions that most drivers have to live with. Until drivers can be made to feel safe, offer facilities at an acceptable standard and provide food and drink at reasonable prices, then there will continue to be a shortfall in numbers.