Driver shortages
Dealing with the driver shortage The UK transport sector is currently consuming drivers at an unsustainable rate. Rather than increasing the supply of recruits, the industry must instead seek to nurture the drivers it has and make itself an attractive place to work. By Richard Simpson
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iven the current driver shortage, firm action clearly needs to be taken. Transport must improve its reputation among working people and recover to the relatively high status it held back in the 1970s and 1980s. Back then, adventurous and resourceful young men became truck drivers in the hope of an exciting and lucrative life on the Middle-East run. In addition, drivers working in sectors such as petroleum
20 The Standard Autumn 2021
and car transportation earned salaries that were roughly on a par with those commanded by mid-rank management and fairly represented the responsibilities of their jobs. The only way to get back to those days is by making drastic improvements in terms and conditions. Issues to be addressed include excessive hours, low hourly wages, poor roadside facilities and excessive remote supervision via telematics, including the
