20 Jun Tackling Driver Shortage Challenges
Throughout the 2020 pandemic, we worked tirelessly to gather information from training providers and represent their interests and concerns to organisations such as the DVSA, DfT and government Ministers. Our collective experience proved to be a powerful alliance. Our aim is to take this forward and continue to promote the interests of training providers to the wider UK economy.
A Testing Pandemic for All
During the Covid19 pandemic and subsequent 3-month UK lock down, the DVSA suspended driver testing for all but a few critical vocational drivers: shutting down the majority of training in the logistics and passenger transport sector.
While this was understandable and necessary to help prevent the spread of Coronavirus, it greatly exacerbated the already chronic shortage of LGV and PCV drivers.
We were also very concerned that the smaller, regional specialist training schools that had shut their doors, would be at risk of permanent closure. This would, in turn, leave no one to deliver the training backlog when lock down measures were lifted.
Knock-On Effect
Moreover, the vast majority of operative, supervisory and management training in the logistics sector is delivered by these same providers. The consequence of the demise of these providers would affect the wider logistics sector, such as warehousing, storage and supply chain activities. There are also existing skills shortages particularly in warehouse and transport operative roles.
Skills for Logistics and The National Logistics Academy have been actively involved in discussions with DVSA, DfT and other stakeholders during the Covid-19 crisis including gathering and representing the views of providers.