The transport industry’s failure to address its driver shortage or diversify its image could soon hurt the UK economy, according to Chris Sturman, CEO of the Food Storage and Distribution Federation (FSDF).

The sector’s efforts to diversify the profession’s image away from the white, middle-aged male image had been inadequate so far, said Mr Sturman who leads the group which promotes food logistics standards.

Reacting to the House of Commons Transport Select Committee’s report, which highlighted the shortfall of good vehicle drivers in the road haulage industry, Mr Sturman called on the government to form a cohesive, measurable plan that focuses attracting, recruiting and retaining new drivers from a diverse range of backgrounds in order to prevent the impending shortage.

The FSDF head warned that without immediate action, then the escalating driver shortage issue would likely lead to increases in wage costs, driving up transport costs, as logistics companies desperately try to plug the driver gap.

Mr Sturman commented: “These additional costs are not likely to be able to be counter by higher productivity and consequently will have to be passed down the supply chain and will ultimately be covered by the consumer whether buying products in the retail sector, but also in wholesale and foodservice, with restaurants, caterers, pubs and clubs being affected.

“The cost of a night out may rise considerably.”