Diversity: The key to solving the merchant driver shortage
The shortage of HGV drivers in the UK has been making headlines for years, but for builders’ merchants it remains one of the most pressing challenges. Without skilled drivers, deliveries stall, customers are left waiting, and the construction supply chain feels the strain.
This isn’t a challenge that can be solved by simply waiting for new recruits to appear. It demands proactive change – and one of the most powerful solutions lies in recruiting from a more diverse talent pool.
The state of the merchant driver workforce
The average age of a merchant driver in the UK is well into the fifties. Many are nearing retirement, and with thousands expected to leave the workforce in the next decade, the industry faces a critical skills gap.
Yet women make up fewer than 2% of HGV drivers (according to Logistics UK), and ethnic minorities remain under-represented. Unless builders’ merchants open their doors to wider groups of people, the shortage will only worsen.
Why merchant driving Is different
Merchant driving isn’t the same as retail or long-haul logistics. It often involves operating equipment like lorry-mounted cranes or forklifts – making the role more technical and rewarding. These additional skills can mean higher wages, but they also add barriers to entry.
The cost of training is significant: a Category C licence alone can cost up to £4,000, not including crane or Moffett certifications. Add in the “experience required” catch-22, where people can’t get hired without experience, and can’t get the experience without being hired, and many talented people are shut out before they can even start.
Breaking down the myths
One of the biggest barriers is perception. Too many people still assume HGV driving is physically demanding, dirty, or “not for women”. In reality, modern equipment such as lorry-mounted cranes and forklifts handle the heavy lifting, and the driver’s focus is on safe operation, customer interaction, and technical skill.
Work/life balance is also better than many realise. Merchant drivers typically work Monday to Friday, with early starts but mid-afternoon finishes, and minimal overnight stays. Compared to supermarket shifts or long-haul routes, the lifestyle is far more family friendly.
Why diversity matters
Diversity isn’t just a “nice to have” – it’s a modern business necessity. By widening the recruitment net, the sector gains access to a much larger pool of talent, helping to stabilise the workforce for the long term and enriching the business with different viewpoints that better reflect the wider society.
That’s why Specialist Driver Resourcing (SDR) has joined the Construction Inclusion Coalition, working alongside other industry leaders to make merchant driving more accessible. Initiatives such as apprenticeships, licence funding, and “Yard to Wheels” programmes help new talent take their first steps into driving careers. Mentoring and shadowing schemes are also key to building confidence and retention.
The business case for inclusion
Building a diverse driver workforce leads to:
- A stronger recruitment pipeline
- Lower staff turnover
- Better customer relationships
- Greater resilience as older drivers retire
Without change, businesses will continue competing for the same shrinking group of experienced drivers – driving up wages and increasing churn. By contrast, investing in diversity creates a sustainable future for the sector.
Driving change together
The driver shortage won’t disappear on its own. To keep Britain building, builders’ merchants need to challenge outdated stereotypes, invest in training, and showcase the real benefits of merchant driving careers.
At Specialist Driver Resourcing, we’re committed to being part of that change. But no single business can solve this challenge alone – it will take a sector-wide effort to create an inclusive, welcoming industry that attracts the next generation of skilled drivers.
👉 Want to learn more about how SDR supports builders’ merchants with qualified, experienced temporary drivers? Call us today on 02380 989 444.