Van drivers warn of skills shortage as longer working hours pile on pressure – Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles

Three quarters of van drivers believe there is a shortage of skilled workers entering the industry, as new research from Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles suggests increasing workloads are placing growing pressure on the UK’s tradespeople.

The survey found that 75% of van drivers believe a lack of new entrants is contributing to workforce pressures, while almost one third (30%) of tradespeople have considered quitting their job over the past 12 months.

Tradespeople are now working an average of 9.44 hours a day, up almost 10% from 8.59 hours in 2022. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles said the additional 51 minutes a day equates to almost an extra month of work over the course of a year.

Younger workers appear to be under the greatest strain, with 45% of 18 to 24-year-olds saying they have considered leaving their job because of work pressures.

The research also found that 44% of tradespeople regularly worry about their work-life balance, while 39% cited constant overworking as a source of stress.

Richard Welch, technical training and development manager at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, said: “UK tradespeople are facing challenges from all angles, having to work longer days than ever before to survive, the industry is at breaking point. At Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, we are dedicated to providing vehicles and services that reduce the burden by being reliable business partners to drivers through those long, hard days.”