The Transport Committee recently conducted an inquiry into skills and workforce planning in the road haulage sector. The objective of the Committee is to investigate what action Government has taken to address industry concerns about a lack of skilled drivers in the sector and to assess how effective the Government’s response has been.
The Institute submitted a written response to the inquiry and this week was called to appear before the Committee to give evidence. Jolyon Drury FCILT, Chairman, Public Policies Committee, CILT represented the Institute and was joined by Adrian Jones, National Officer for Road Transport and Logistics, Unite the Union.
Jolyon spoke of the work that CILT is doing to highlight the issue and referenced the Driver Shortage Crisis survey that the Institute published. Jolyon also spoke of the collaboration that CILT has established with the other trade associations in the sector in attempting to tackle and highlight some of the overarching issues with the shortage.
Jolyon spoke of the ‘tremendous increase in tempo’ over the last five years in the logistics and transport industry, with particular reference to online shopping. Jolyon was positive about the recent increase in apprenticeship opportunities but also emphasised that there are issues in attracting young recruits into the industry.
He also stressed the urgent need for sufficient truck stops in busy areas and that this is a matter of public health. Jolyon claimed that the negative image of the industry is intensified by this neglect of simple and necessary facilities for drivers to protect their health.
Jolyon explained the CSR agenda to provide secure truck parking and driver welfare facilities at or close to logistics fulfilment hot spots, to be incorporated into planning regulation and financed by Section 106 agreements and by facilities rental.
When asked to summarise the three main issues presenting the driver profession both Adrian and Jolyon agreed that the negative work/life balance, facilities and the lack of career progression were major issues in attracting new recruits to choose a career in professional driving.