Widespread recruitment and retention problems in road haulage sector

PAY DATA

Over three-fifths of road transport companies are experiencing difficulties recruiting and retaining large good vehicle (LGV) drivers, according to the fourth annual survey conducted jointly by the Road Haulage Association and Incomes Data Services.

The sector continues to heavily rely on overtime -- overtime pay typically accounts for a third of overall weekly earnings.

Other key results

The other key findings of the 10-page report are these:

Basic rates: The average basic pay for a driver of an articulated large good vehicle (category C+E) is £7.06 an hour. For a driver of a rigid large good vehicle (category C) the average basic pay is £6.52 an hour.
Pay settlements: LGV drivers (category C+E) enjoyed average rises of 3.8% in 2002/03, which compares with a median (mid-point) settlement level of 3% across the economy as whole, according to IDS figures.
Regional rates: The highest pay region is south-east England where average basic pay for LGV drivers (category C+E) is £7.70 an hour. Their counterparts in the north-west England -- the lowest paying region -- receive £6.48 an hour.

Want to know more?

Title: "Pay in road transport and distribution, 2003", IDS Report 893, November 2003, Incomes Data Services.

Survey sample: The survey was carried out in September 2003 and is based on information received from 92 companies, employing a total of nearly 27,000 people.

Availability: Call IDS customer services in London, tel: 020 7250 3434.

Incomes Data Services is an independent research organisation providing information and analysis on pay, conditions, pensions, employment law and personnel policy and practice in the UK and rest of Europe. For more information about IDS jump to www.incomesdata.co.uk

Posted 10 November 2003