Van excellence report highlights van driver shortage

Van operators are fearful that worsening van driver shortages could prevent their businesses operating successfully over the next year, according to Van Excellence’s new 2018-19 report.

The report, which identifies the opportunities and challenges facing the vans market, was produced by the Freight Transport Association's Van Excellence scheme.
 
Mark Cartwright, FTA’s Head of Vans and Light Commerical Vehicles said: “In a testament to the value it provides to the UK economy, the vans market has grown consistently since the 2008 recession, thanks in part to its versatility and flexibility. While there are many opportunities for further growth – such as booming online delivery services – there are also challenges ahead which all members of the vans sector should be aware of and prepare for, most notably, the increasing shortage of van drivers.
 
“One in five van drivers, operators or owners believes a van driver shortage could prevent their businesses operating successfully over the next year. These fears are exacerbated by the large proportion of EU nationals currently working across the vans sector in the UK, as early indicators suggest fewer are choosing to move here in light of the UK’s decision to leave the EU and the ongoing uncertainty about their future employment prospects.”
 
The proportion of van drivers which are EU nationals fell to 7.3 per cent in 2017, compared with 12.9 per cent in 2015.
 
Cartwright continues: “Many van drivers are struggling with their mental and physical health but are unsure of where or how to obtain help. In fact, as detailed in the report, more than half of van drivers and owners believe there is a stigma attached to discussing mental health at work. Van Excellence is committed to addressing this issue and recently launched a campaign with the charity CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) to raise awareness of the resources available to those struggling with poor mental health.”
 
The full report can be downloaded here http://www.vanexcellence.co.uk/media/van-excellence-report.html