Following the Treasury’s invitation to the FTA (Freight Transport Association) to talk about the HGV driver crisis, the RHA (Road Haulage Association) has also now been called to a meeting with Treasury officials next Friday (20 February 2015).
"This is a major milestone for the RHA and for the industry as a whole," says RHA chief executive Richard Burnett.
"UK haulage operators are responsible for the efficient and cost effective movement of 85% of all goods transported," he continues.
"Their job is, quite literally, to move the economy. However, that can only be achieved with a strong and thriving driver workforce."
RHA estimates that the current shortfall of qualified drivers is 40,000 and Burnett states taht a further 45,000 are due to retire in the next two years, not including those who have to leave for medical reasons or who have found another job.
"But only 17,000 are entering the industry annually," he asserts. "Do the maths – this has become an untenable situation."
