A call for written evidence into the HGV skills shortage that “threatens to bring the industry to a halt” has been launched by the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Road Freight and Logistics.
The Group, chaired by Sir Mike Penning MP, said the scope of the inquiry will cover the role of government and operators in supporting recruitment and encouraging a diverse workforce for the road haulage industry.
It will also seek to address issues around attractiveness of the industry with focus on quality of employment and facilities for drivers.
There is a current driver shortage of around 50,000 and a worsening skills gap, according to figures from the RHA.
“For this APPG to make a difference for the industry, we need to fully understand the problem for operators of every size and from across the country,” said Sir Mike Penning MP.
“Only when we have gathered this information can we go to government with a firm set of recommendations and expectations of what can be done to tackle this serious and worsening problem.”
“I want to use this evidence to help us effectively measure the progress made since the Transport Select Committee produced its own report in 2016.
“I urge all affected businesses to engage with this process. I want to know whether the recommendations of the Committee have made any tangible difference for your business – and if not, where the problems exist and what government and the industry alike should be doing differently,” Penning added.
Submissions will be accepted until April 30 via http://bit.ly/APPG-skills-survey
