Ill health is a major factor in the increasing shortage of lorry drivers, according to new research by the Unite general union.
A Freedom of information request to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) revealed a big rise in the number of lorry and bus drivers having their license refused or revoked for medical issues.
In 2018, more than 12,000 drivers had their licence refused or revoked, compared to fewer than 5,000 in 2005.
While the figure for 2020 was around 7,200, the requirement for drivers to undergo a medical assessment in order to continue driving was suspended from March 2020 to January 2021 due to the pandemic.
To secure a 12-month extension, drivers had to instead self-certify they were in good health.
In many cases, says Unite, licences cannot be returned because of underlying conditions, forcing drivers out of the industry.
The cumulative effect means thousands of experienced drivers are barred from driving due to ill health, exacerbating the current driver shortage.
The union says there is a clear link between the rise in drivers losing their licence for medical reasons and increasing age.
The average age of HGV drivers in 2020 was almost 50.
“These figures are alarming but unsurprising,” said Unite national officer Adrian Jones.
“This is a problem of the employers’ making, forcing their workforces to work long hours in unhealthy environments is going to have major health implications.”
Lorry drivers’ union URTU also says it is not surprised by the dramatic increase.
“The increasingly stressful work, long hours and often sedentary nature of the work is impacting on the health of professional drivers,” URTU communications manager James Bower told Labour Research.
“This government needs to work to improve the poor working conditions by investing in roadside facilities that enable professional drivers to get access to fresh healthy food, exercise and a place to get quality rest.
“Drivers often have great difficulty getting their licence reinstated by the DVLA, even when the doctor has given them the all-clear,” he added.
“Work needs to be done to make it easier for professional drivers to prove they are fit to drive.
“Also the current relaxation in driving hours rules is resulting in already exhausted workers operating for longer”, said Jones.
“This will make a bad situation worse and will have long-term health implications.”
With a worldwide shortage of HGV drivers surely it’s clear that we need more homegrown professionals supported by better pay and backed up by a training system that is affordable and will attract younger people into the profession.
Rodney Sadd
Crowland
Union delegate for South Holland & The Deepings CLP
