Today (11 August) Veolia is calling upon mums to get behind the wheel and help the UK get through the ‘HGV driver crisis’.
Businesses across the UK are experiencing a drop in trained HGV drivers due to a combination of factors, including immigration, Covid-19 and a testing backlog. Veolia is now urging parents to consider if a new career in the waste industry might be for them.
The company wants to highlight the benefits for parents looking for part time roles that they may have never considered. Drivers have the opportunity to work locally as part of their community rather than the assumed long distance journeys and overnight stays.
The hours start early, when parents are already up, but allow them to finish early in time to collect children from school. And finally they will be helping the planet by supporting residents to boost recycling locally.
I am frustrated by the stereotype of binmen as I speak to the women who work here and, even though it’s a minority, they are passionate about what they do
The Road Haulage Association (RHA) were predicting a shortage of about 60,000 drivers pre-pandemic, they now estimate this to be over 100,000 across the UK. In recycling and waste, Veolia is reporting an average of 15% vacancy rates for driving roles and it is proving very challenging to fill this resourcing gap given the dynamics of this labour market.
Beth Whittaker, Chief Human Resources Officer, Veolia UK & Ireland, said: “Although all drivers are welcome, we do want to focus on mums looking for a part time job that can wrap around school pick up.
“I am frustrated by the stereotype of binmen as I speak to the women who work here and, even though it’s a minority, they are passionate about what they do. We are looking to break down the barriers that are placed there and we would like to increase the number of females working on our teams.
“We offer a really good lifestyle – no overnights, no long-haul or overseas, so ideal for family time.”
Veolia welcomes all applicants and is dedicated to creating a workforce for the future where diversity and representation is key. Benefits include, company pension scheme, generous annual leave, sick leave entitlement and access to a range of retail discounts and wellness benefits.
As part of the team, successful applicants will receive regular training to maintain and enhance their professional ability.
The call from Veolia follows a letter sent to the Secretary of State earlier this month from the recycling and waste management sector, which called for government to recognise HGV drivers as an ‘important shortage occupation’ with a two-year derogation to the points-based immigration rules for trained HGV drivers.