Commercial drivers feeling the pressure

A quarter of UK van drivers have experienced mental health issues last year, while two-thirds felt overwhelmed at least once a month.

According to a study by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles of 1,000 UK van drivers, the cost of living crisis was cited as a leading cause of stress (54%), followed closely by work-life balance (36%) and finances (35%).

Meanwhile, over half (55%) of van drivers reported they had worked longer hours and are also spending longer on the road, with respondents reporting an average of 74 miles per day compared to 57.2 miles in 2021.

The survey also found that the average weekly fuel spend increased from £62.40 to £108.46 over the same period.

Richard Beresford, chief executive of the National Federation of Builders, said: “The cost of living crisis has hit construction workers hard, especially impacting their mental health and wellbeing. Factors including fuel prices, vehicle repair costs, late payments and higher prices for goods and materials – which are fifty per cent higher than they were before the pandemic – all contribute to increased stress levels.

“These day-to-day challenges take a toll over time, resulting in many construction workers not making it to their pensionable age.”