Fleet skills challenge shifts from recruitment to capability, report warns

The logistics sector's workforce challenge is changing, with employers now placing greater emphasis on developing skills rather than simply filling vacancies.

A new report from Logistics UK warns that while labour shortages have eased, businesses are struggling to recruit and retain employees with the technical, digital and management expertise needed to support an increasingly complex supply chain.

The issue is becoming more pressing as the workforce ages. More than 61% of HGV drivers and almost 48% of warehouse managers are now aged 45 or over, highlighting the need to attract new talent while upskilling existing employees.

For fleet and transport operators, the findings reinforce the growing importance of workforce development alongside investment in new vehicles and technology. As fleets adopt connected vehicles, telematics and alternative fuel technologies, the skills required to manage drivers and operations are evolving just as quickly.

Logistics UK is calling for more flexible training pathways and funding, arguing that long-term resilience will depend not only on bringing new people into the sector, but giving today's workforce the skills needed to adapt to tomorrow's transport challenges.

Access the full report from Logistics UK here.

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