The absence of financial measures to support the UK’s road haulage industry to recruit and train truck drivers in today’s budget will undermine the economic recovery warns the Road Haulage Association (RHA).

Richard Burnett, Chief Executive of the RHA commented: “In his Spring Budget George Osborne recognised the shortage of HGV drivers and pledged action to help. This Budget does nothing to help solve the crisis, despite strong representation from across the industry. He has even failed to support the structure put in place by the RHA and JobCentre+ to get unemployed people into driving.

“By the end of 2016 we will be some 60,000 drivers short if action is not taken now.  We are working hard to address the problem and we have a quality process in place for getting unemployed people work experience in the industry and if suitable, a route into full time employment.  This scheme is called Driving Britain’s Future but this alone will not solve the problem.  We need specific targeted funding before it is too late.”

“The RHA will continue to work closely with the Treasury and other government departments to ensure the Chancellor keeps to the pledge made in the March Budget.”