Recovery in the UK economy was signalled by significant increases in transport sector job vacancies in May 2010. The figures for lorry and van drivers showed substantial increases on the same month for 2009, with the highest number of recorded monthly vacancies since 2008. At 13,299 for 2010, compared with 4,695 for 2009, vacancies for HGV drivers were up by 180 per cent. And at 5,378 for 2010, compared with 3,187 for 2009, vacancies for van drivers were up by almost 70 per cent.
The figures are researched and published by the freight logistics industries’ Sector Skills Council, ‘Skills for Logistics’ (“SfL”).
Increased vacancies were also reported for other logistics-associated work, including managers, clerks, dock workers, postal workers, and goods handling and storage occupations.
SfL Chief Executive, Dr Mick Jackson, said “Logistics has always been regarded as an effective barometer of the economy, with the movement of goods and services rising or falling more or less in line with demand and economic activity. Clearly 2009 was a relatively bad year for the economy, but the current demand for drivers suggests reasons for optimism, at least in the short term. More demand for drivers results from the need for increased movements, suggesting the start of an economic revival.
“However, there are also reasons for some concern. The logistics industry has suffered from a shortage of lorry drivers for some years. Severe shortages at the start of the century were addressed through an influx of migrant workers from the accession states. This should not mask the fact that the average age of HGV drivers is 46 years, and is increasing. The industry therefore needs to work hard in order to attract greater numbers of younger recruits, and must be prepared to provide improved working conditions and advanced training in order to do so.
“Commercial driving is a job for which personnel are entitled to the respect and gratitude of the whole population. As such we need to improve both the regard in which we hold such workers, and the facilities which we make available to them for their security and comfort, in order that we may attract increased numbers to their ranks.”
Between May 2009 and May 2010, overall vacancies in the sector rose by almost 130 per cent.
|
Occupation
|
May 2007
|
May 2008
|
May 2009
|
May 2010
|
|
Purchasing managers
|
34
|
55
|
72
|
65
|
|
Transport and distribution managers
|
131
|
197
|
96
|
136
|
|
Storage and warehouse managers
|
492
|
326
|
264
|
320
|
|
Importers, exporters
|
95
|
122
|
51
|
47
|
|
Transport and distribution clerks
|
515
|
496
|
230
|
502
|
|
Heavy goods vehicle drivers
|
11,060
|
8,396
|
4,695
|
13,299
|
|
Van drivers
|
6,974
|
5,267
|
3,187
|
5,378
|
|
Transport operatives
|
202
|
285
|
178
|
496
|
|
Stevedores, dockers and slingers
|
121
|
233
|
126
|
239
|
|
Other goods handling and storage occupations
|
7,947
|
7,420
|
5,774
|
13,626
|
|
Postal workers, mail sorters, messengers, couriers
|
3,180
|
3,730
|
3,205
|
5,512
|
|
Column Total
|
30,751
|
26,527
|
17,878
|
39,620
|
Dr Jackson said “The logistics and supply chain serves every other industry in the UK – goods and services have no value until they are delivered to the customer. During the difficult times ahead, as we endeavour to make good the national finances, and reduce the budget deficit, we must remember and recognise the role of logistics as an essential service and, as far as we are able, must preserve our ability for it to function efficiently and economically.”
