• Universal Credit claimants can access fully funded courses to help them get behind the wheel and secure a job
• Local employers interested in the scheme should get in touch with HGVC and help plug their HGV driver shortage

Insite has partnered with Maximus, one of the UK’s largest providers of employment, health, and disability support programmes, to retrain long-term unemployed people as HGV drivers. Part of the government’s Restart Scheme, Insite will train up to 300 candidates over the next two years.  

Part-funded by the Restart Scheme and part-funded by local employers, the partnership helps potential HGV drivers overcome one of the significant barriers to becoming a driver: cost. The courses are available across South and West Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and South and West London. 

Local employers who need HGV drivers can apply to Insite to recruit potential candidates whose training will then be part-funded by Maximus via the scheme. The employer’s candidate will join Insite’s novice HGV driver training course, designed for those with only a car licence, whom they can employ after successful completion of the course. Employers will then gain drivers with a Category C licence who can drive a rigid truck above 7.5 tonnes. With no recruitment cost, and the training itself offered at a significantly discounted rate, this could be an excellent way to help plug an HGV driver shortage whilst helping a long-term unemployed person back into full-time employment.

The Restart Scheme offers Universal Credit claimants who have been out of work for more than nine months enhanced support to find jobs in their local area. The scheme is part of the UK government’s ‘Plan for Jobs’, which supports people impacted by Covid. Anyone on the Restart Scheme interested in HGV driving can apply to join the course. Qualified drivers could secure starting salaries of up to £40,000.

James Clifford, CEO of Insite, said: “The UK needs new HGV drivers to help plug the driver shortage. But the cost of training can be a barrier to helping those out of work get into the profession. So, this partnership where long-term unemployed candidates can access training, part-funded by the government and part-funded by local employers, provides the ideal solution. Any local employers who need HGV drivers should get in touch and help get people back into work and behind the wheel.”    

As part of the collaboration, Insite joins Maximus’ Community Partnership Network, which brings together a range of organisations to help the long-term unemployed get back into work. 

After the biggest commercial electronic vehicle (EV) trial was conducted in July 2021, it has been shown that the charging and cost challenges the technology presents can be met. It was carried out to determine how price and energy demands can be overcome while also meeting the typical fleet owner’s range requirements. 

Behind the trials is Optimise Prime – an industry-led Network Innovation Competition (NIC) funded project. Led by both Hitachi Europe and electricity distributor UK power networks, it involved more than 8,000 EVs from Uber, Centrica and a UK depot-based parcel carrier. It was also supported by Southern Electricity and Novuna Vehicle solutions.

A Range of Applications Trialled 

The trial looked closely at home, depot and on-the-road charging, with Hitachi stating that the project provides a complete overview of what switching to EVs looks like in terms of cables and substations that serve the community with electricity. It also examined the needs of businesses and the required investment in infrastructure.

A major insight that the trial provided was that it demonstrated that the move to an electrically-driven haulage industry is more cost-effective, quicker and simpler than many fleet managers previously believed possible. 

“The Ambitious EV Rollout Is Possible”

Among the key findings was that EV vehicles are able to cover typical range requirements for every type of fleet, meaning electrification is both achievable and feasible. Hitachi Europe’s Optimise Prime business lead, John Whybrow, had this to say: 

“Our work alongside key partners in this trial has shown that the ambitious EV rollout is possible, and with the use of data, we can overcome the challenges being faced by businesses, such as costs and charging availability.

Also contributing to the discussion was UK Power Network’s director of customer service, Ian Cameron, who added: “We set out to come up with practical solutions to cut the cost of fleets going electric, and that’s exactly what we have done – along with a mass of insights and learnings to help fleet managers”.

As such, it would appear that the reality of EV lorries travelling up and down UK motorways in the future has taken another big step closer. 

Reducing the Environmental Impact of UK Haulage

Operating in an environmentally-friendly way has been a focus of the UK haulage industry for some time now, and we welcome the move to greener alternatives. The question mark with EVs was always whether they represented a viable alternative to their diesel-powered counterparts. It would appear that they are and their wholesale introduction is inching closer. 

However quickly events progress, the Insite team will continue offering industry-leading HGV licence acquisition programs via our large UK network of training centres. To find out more about what we’re doing to address the UK’s ongoing driver shortage, please take a moment to look around our website where you’ll find what you need. 

Alternatively, to get in touch directly, either click ‘contact us‘ or call 0330 818 8888, and a member of our team will be more than happy to discuss your needs. 

According to research carried out by Close Brothers – a leading UK merchant banking group – more than 50% of UK haulage and transport SMEs are thinking of switching to a four-day working week in the face of rising energy costs. The cost of living crisis is hitting everyone right now, with inflation and the war in Ukraine among the leading causes.

The research showed that an average of 57% of the companies surveyed would switch to reduced working hours in order to save money. However, for firms that employ between 61-250 staff, this figure rises to 66%. In fact, the rising cost of energy has led to 63% of UK haulage SMEs reporting that these cost increases had impacted profits.

Energy Bill Relief Scheme Not Sufficient 

On October 1st 2022, the UK government introduced the Energy Bill Relief Scheme for businesses and other non-domestic customers, however, this doesn’t seem to have been sufficient in terms of support. Despite the scheme, 47% of respondents stated that had had no choice but to take out additional finance.

Overwhelmingly (92%), respondents stated that they had explored energy-saving measures to some degree, having considered things like turning off air-conditioning, switching lights off and turning down the thermostat. Many feel that this is the only way to ensure they’re able to pay their bills and employees and continue to operate. 

SMEs Most Exposed to Price Changes 

Speaking of the challenges faced, Close Brothers’ transport division chief executive John Fawcett had this to say…“It comes as little surprise that many business owners are exploring the option of taking out funding to ensure their cash flow is protected and they’re able to continue to meet their financial commitments.

We know through our own research that business sentiment is at its lowest since the first lockdown and has fallen significantly from record highs just 12 months ago. Energy costs are a significant contributing factor to this fall in confidence, with it ranking highest in their list of concerns, ahead of inflation, interest rates and materials supply”. 

While inflation may be set to drop in 2023, the feeling is that energy costs may go the other way, meaning these challenges may become more acute in the near future. As such, it appears that UK haulage and transport firms have another challenging year ahead. 

Supporting the Industry With Leading HGV Training

2022 was an extremely challenging year for the UK haulage industry, with many issues being faced. If this news is anything to go by, 2023 looks to be no different, however, the Insite team will continue to support the sector with industry-leading HGV licence acquisition programs that can be scaled to meet any size of requirement. 

If you’d like to know more about us and what sets us apart from the competition, please take a moment to browse our website. Alternatively, to get in touch directly, either click ‘contact us‘ or call 0330 818 8888, and a member of our team will be more than happy to discuss your needs.

Coming at the end of a busy and event-packed year for the UK’s haulage industry, reports suggest that hauliers choosing to switch vehicles on and off licence – thanks to a loophole in statutory guidance – are facing a clampdown. As such a senior traffic commissioner is consulting on plans to close it and stop the practice.

The move to close the loophole that allows hauliers to draw down HGVs which aren’t specified on any given operator licence was prompted by a decision made recently in the upper tribunal relating to a company that was itself making use of it ‘routinely & as a business practice’. This is activity is seen as counter to the core principles of the legislation. 

Senior Traffic Commissioner – Richard Turfitt 

Senior traffic controller Richard Turffitt has played a central role in the closure of the gaps in current legislation, with the amended guidance now stating…

“The number of vehicles applied for should include the amount required for use, as well as any extra to cover an increase in business or emergencies such as breakdowns. The upper tribunal has confirmed that the repeated switching of vehicles, with the intention of using them for only short periods of time, is not an appropriate way for an operator to conduct its business.

If a vehicle has only been removed from the licence temporarily and it remains an integral part of the business, it does not cease to be used and therefore must be specified. The question, therefore, arises as to how an operator might demonstrate that the removal of vehicles is more than temporary”. 

The Dictionary Definition of ‘Temporary’ Being Adopted

The changes to the legislation are said to focus on adopting the dictionary definition of temporary – meaning lasting only for a limited time. However, that’s not the only matter being considered by the consultation which at present runs until the 16th of January 2023.

Also being requested is industry feedback on possible changes to the assessment process for transport manager applications. Taking evidence from outside of the United Kingdom, discussions are taking place to ensure consistent financial calculations and in turn, more fairness to all O-licence applicants. 

Ending a Challenging Year Full of Tumult & Progress

While many hauliers have made use of the lack of clarity in the previous legislation with regard to vehicle licensing, it’s clear that it’s not something that should be allowed. Legislation like this exists for a reason and as such, shouldn’t be abused – even if it alleviates some of the current pressures many haulage companies are facing. 

This news comes at the end of what has been a very challenging year for the industry but one that has seen progress being made. At Insite, we’re proud to have been part of positive moves – such as the government-backed HGV Bootcamps our team has spearheaded. 

We’ll continue to strive to address the driver shortage in 2023 with industry-leading, scalable HGV licence acquisition programs via our nationwide network of training centres. To find out more about us and what we do, please take a moment to browse our website. 

In the meantime, if you would like to talk to our team about your HGV training needs, either click on ‘contact us‘ or call us on 0333 818 8888. 

According to a recent survey by Motor Transport and Commercial Motor, energy costs are the top challenge facing operators in 2023. 92% of respondents cited this as their main concern, followed by fears of a recession at 81%.

The ongoing struggle to find new HGV drivers was also a key worry for 74% of respondents.

Despite these challenges, over two-thirds of operators are still planning to invest in fleet vehicles, with 34% planning to buy new trucks, 15% looking to buy used, and the rest considering a mix of both.

The survey also found that operator confidence levels have dropped compared to last year, likely due to the current economic climate.

You can view the full report by Motor Transport here.

In a statement last week, the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, announced that London’s current Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) will be expanding to include the whole city from August 2023. At present, the zone only includes areas within London’s North and South Circular roads and covers cars, lorries, motorbikes, light commercial vehicles and HGVs. 

The move is being made in a bid to improve London’s air quality, which is known to be impacting the health of Londoners every day. Health issues relating to air pollution are now primarily happening in outer London areas, so the Capital’s ULEZ is being expanded to eliminate the problem for those in the suburbs. 

What Does The Change Mean For Motorists?

Speaking about the change, Sadiq Khan expressed that the decision to approve the expansion was a difficult one, but it’s one he ultimately had to make. He stated, “Expanding the ULEZ London-wide has not been an easy decision. The simplest thing for me would have been to kick the can down the road, but in the end, public health comes before political expediency.

Londoners are getting sick from cradle to the grave with illnesses such as cancer, lung disease, dementia and asthma. Furthermore, the money raised by ULEZ will be pumped back into funding local public transport and I’m pleased to announce today that we are planning the biggest-ever expansion of the bus network in outer London.”

What it means for motorists is that those who don’t drive a vehicle that meets the standards set in the ULEZ could face a daily charge of £12.50. This applies to all residents living within the ULEZ, but only if they drive, as it’s not something that’s incurred if a vehicle is simply parked and never used. 

Scrappage Scheme Offered to Londoners 

A measure to mitigate the impact of the change comes in the form of the government’s Scrappage Scheme, which kicks in on the 30th of January 2023. Londoners who receive certain means-tested and disability benefits can apply to the scheme and receive a grant payment and/or annual tram & bus passes. 

A separate van and minibus scrappage scheme will also be put into place and made available for micro-businesses (Less than 10 employees), sole traders and charities. Further changes include the removal of the £10 annual fee for Autopay registering and an increase in the penalty for not paying the daily ULEZ charge, from £160 to £180 (When paid within 14 days).

Working Towards a Greener UK Haulage Industry 

The health of people in London is clearly of great importance and this move will undoubtedly help in this regard. For UK hauliers, however, it represents another increased expense at a time when margins are already wafer thin. Small mercy then that the change won’t come into force until August of next year when the industry will hopefully be in a stronger position.

Regardless, Insite will continue to support the sector by providing industry-leading, scalable HGV licence acquisition programs via our huge network of training centres. To find out more about what we do and how we do it, please take a moment to browse our website. Alternatively, to speak to us, click ‘contact us’ or call 0333 818 8888 and we’ll be more than happy to help.