Financial pressure on the rise among UK van drivers, Volkswagen finds

More than half of UK van drivers are struggling with financial pressures, according to research commissioned by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, as rising operating costs and late payments continue to affect small businesses.

The survey of 1,000 UK van drivers found that 52% were concerned about the impact of the cost of living crisis, up from 36% a year earlier.

More than a third (36%) said they worried about money every week.

Rising material costs were identified as the biggest source of increased expenditure by 46% of respondents, followed by tax and regulation changes at 39%.

The research also found van drivers spent an average of £566.32 on vehicle repairs and maintenance over the last year, while average annual van insurance costs reached £883.26. Around a third (34%) said they had spent more than £1,000 insuring their van.

Late payments were also highlighted as a significant issue for small businesses, with respondents reporting an average of £3,399.51 in unpaid invoices outstanding.

Almost a third (32%) said delayed payments were acting as a barrier to business growth.

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles said financial pressures were also affecting wellbeing, with 47% of van drivers identifying money concerns as their leading cause of stress.