---
title: What Caused The HGV Driver Shortage In The UK?
description: We have seen a shortage of HGV drivers which has caused issues in many industries, but what exactly is causing the shortage of drivers?
image: https://www.route4drivers.co.uk/hubfs/what-caused-the-hgv-driver-shortage-in-the-uk.png
---

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# Blog

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## What Caused The HGV Driver Shortage In The UK?

 November 22

In recent times, we have seen a [shortage of HGV drivers](https://www.route4solutions.co.uk/client-solutions/) which has caused increasing issues in the many industries that require professional drivers for both short and long distances. But what is causing the HGV driver shortage, and how can you ensure that you are covered during these challenging times?

## Why Is There A HGV Driver Shortage?

World events have had a large impact on the number of [HGV drivers available for work](https://www.route4solutions.co.uk/driver-solutions/). Brexit has had an effect on the amount of drivers that are able to easily work in the UK, which was further complicated by the Covid-19 pandemic. During the height of the pandemic, lockdowns across the world meant that workers who could engage in cross-border working were unable to do so which also meant that many overseas workers left the UK altogether. These two factors alone have caused a shortage of as many as 100,000 HGV drivers.

## Other Causes Of HGV Driver Shortages

It is worth noting that the shortage is not only due to these two recent factors. Even before the Covid-19 pandemic struck, there was a shortage of around 60,000 drivers due to the retirement of lifelong drivers not being followed with a robust recruitment strategy. Since 2020, it is thought that approximately 70,000 drivers have moved on from their jobs, creating a perfect storm.

## Further Complexities

While [recruitment](https://www.route4solutions.co.uk/driver-solutions/) has been attempted, there were around 25,000 new drivers each year between 2015 and 2019, offsetting the retirement rate of 10,000 per annum. However, it proves challenging to keep drivers in their roles after the age of 45, with some 40,000 left in the first quarter of 2021 alone! Those who leave their roles report being unable to find a decent work-life balance, and facing ongoing issues with poor working conditions. These problems must be dealt with effectively to retain workers for longer - especially since fully qualified and experienced drivers are safer and more reliable than those just starting out.

## How To Tackle The HGV Driver Shortage

If you have found that you are facing similar HGV driver shortage issues, then using a dedicated and expert driver recruitment agency can help you source the right drivers to suit your needs. Route4 [Driver Recruitment](https://www.route4solutions.co.uk/driver-solutions/) are a recruitment agency with a range of drivers suitable for all kinds of HGV driving roles - so [get in touch](https://www.route4solutions.co.uk/contact/) to discuss how we can help you through this difficult time.

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