Two-thirds (66%) of drivers regularly feel overwhelmed, with the cost of living cited as the leading cause of stress.
A study of 1,000 UK van drivers by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles found that one in four van drivers experienced mental health problems last year. While the cost of living was the foremost issue for drivers, it was followed by work-life balance (36%) and finances (35%).
The research also shows how business pressures are impacting drivers; more than half (55%) reported they had worked longer hours. Mileage is up too, with respondents reporting an average of 74 miles per day compared to 57.2 miles in 2021.
The National Federation of Builders said the cost-of-living crisis has hit construction workers hard, especially impacting their mental health and wellbeing.
Richard Beresford, chief executive of the trade association, commented: “Factors including fuel prices, vehicle repair costs, late payments and higher prices for goods and materials – which are 50% 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.”
Rocketing fuel prices are also bringing extra pressure for UK businesses and owner-operators. With pump prices having risen from 137p per litre in October 2021 to 157p in October 2023, the average weekly fuel spend has risen 74% over the same period, going from £62.40 to £108.46.
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has pledged its support to help businesses to manage these stressors and avoid incurring costly downtime. As part of its ‘Working With You’ promise helps businesses to stay on the road, while its fixed service plan pricing offers financial surety, helping customers avoid unexpected repair costs with monthly payments starting from £9.95 a month.
