
Undervalued professional LGV drivers jeopardise future logistics sector success
According to Cold Chain Federation member RTITB, failure to acknowledge the importance of those currently, or considering, working as LGV drivers is putting the future of the profession, and the UK logistics sector, at risk.
“In our work with the transport and logistics industry, we
all too often hear from LGV drivers that they do not see their job as a
professional vocation and that others do not see them as professionals either,”
says Laura Nelson, Managing Director of RTITB, the UK’s largest Driver CPC
Consortium. “This is worrying for our sector, as a lack of support from
current LGV drivers will inevitably make it more difficult to attract new
drivers to enter the profession.”
Although a recent white paper from Talent in Logistics
stated that there are currently 300,000 LGV drivers in the UK, the Freight Transport
Association (FTA) Logistics Report 2019 suggested that around 15% of HGV driver
roles will remain unfilled this year. This is often attributed to the
logistics skills shortage and the retirement of existing drivers whose roles
are not filled by new talent. It is also expected to be affected by drivers who
are EU citizens potentially leaving the UK due to Brexit. However, RTITB
suggests that there is little incentive to join a profession that feels
unappreciated and unimportant.
“LGV drivers have relatively few opportunities for direct
interaction with their employer – they often leave early and return late – and
little attention is paid even to the very best drivers,” says Laura. “If
we fail to communicate with, recognise and reward the most exceptional
performers, what incentive is there for new talent to join our sector?”
“Employers should remember the important role that LGV
drivers play – they are the face of your business on the road, a direct link to
customers and often the front line of customer service. They are also
responsible for high value equipment and stock,” says Laura. “What’s more, it
takes a lot of skill, commitment and time to become an LGV driver.”
Drivers must complete four training modules to gain their
LGV licence, including theory/hazard perception, a case study, driving ability
and a practical demonstration safety test. They must also complete an
ability test for their HGV Cat C+E licence and attend and complete Driver CPC
(Certificate of Professional Competence) Periodic Training.
Once qualified and employed, professional LGV drivers must
be committed to maintaining a good driving record, protecting the company’s
operator licence, complete driving assessments and have their performance
monitored (including by telematics). They are often tasked with helping a
company achieve KPIs (key performance indicators), for example, the number of
deliveries made per day, accuracy of delivery times and reductions in stock
loss or damage. They must also complete the required amount of Driver CPC
training hours per 5-yearly cycle to remain compliant.
“LGV drivers have acquired a bad reputation, being blamed
for incorrect or late deliveries and for driving ‘slow, annoying lorries’ which
take up space on the roads,” says Laura. “Many people are completely unaware of
the lengths that LGV drivers must go to in order to become qualified – it is a
‘forgotten profession’ and rarely viewed as a career.”
“However, LGV driving actually offers some fantastic career
progression routes into training, operations or management roles and is often
far from being low-level, poorly paid work,” she continues, explaining that the
annual salary for an LGV driver is around £30k, more than the UK’s national
average, and around £10k more than people think it will be*.
Despite this, the FTA Logistics Report 2019 highlighted that
there was a 37% fall in the number of logistics apprenticeships, indicating
that young people are being attracted to work in other sectors.
“One important way that our industry can encourage new
talent into the industry and retain the skills of highly trained existing LGV
drivers, is through training,” says Laura. “Showing that you deliver
training that benefits the employee, as well as the business, is key. We
also encourage employers to pay for the training as this shows employees that
they are valued and appreciated.”
Working with on-site Instructors, businesses can effectively
develop a full training and development plan for drivers which demonstrates a
commitment to providing the right training, rather than just ticking the
compliance box. For instance, Driver CPC training should be planned and used to
help keep drivers safe while improving and expanding their
skillset.
“Providing drivers with opportunities for career
progression, as well as chances to develop and demonstrate their skills and
knowledge via training, is absolutely key if we are going to give drivers the
level of attention they deserve and keep them carrying out vital work within
our sector,” says Laura.
Joining a consortium, such as the RTITB Master Driver CPC
Consortium, can give employers access to a wide range of training topics that
help to meet business objectives while providing drivers with professional
skills. RTITB also offers bespoke course development to help employers
tackle areas that are unique to their business or operation.
“Another very effective way that logistics employers
can demonstrate their commitment to training is through apprenticeships,” says
Laura. “We encourage businesses to make the most of the apprenticeship levy!
Although the apprenticeship system is far from perfect for our industry, we
should still take advantage of the money that logistics companies are putting
into the levy pot by taking on apprentice LGV drivers.”
To find out more about how RTITB can help transport
and logistics employers to boost LGV driver morale, knowledge and skills
through its transport training services, including End Point Assessment and
Driver CPC training, contact its specialist team on +44 (0) 1952 520207 or
visit www.rtitb.co.uk .
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