Van drivers are working longer hours amid tougher trading conditions and continuing cost pressures, according to a study by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.
Two-thirds (60%) of UK van drivers say they’re having to work longer hours. The average now stands at 9 hours and 10 minutes of work per day – up from 8 hours 34 minutes reported in February 2023 – with 2 in 5 working over 10 hours per day. This represents a 7% increase in the average working day, year on year.
The survey of 1,000 UK van drivers revealed that 68% are feeling no more optimistic about the outlook for their business than they did last year, with the rising cost of materials among the greatest challenges.
Craig Cavanagh, national fleet manager at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, said: “Faced with longer hours and concerns around the rising cost of materials, it’s easy to understand the pressure UK van drivers are feeling around the day-to-day running of their businesses.
“As part of our ‘Working With You’ commitment, we’re supporting those feeling this added pressure to keep their businesses moving and running costs to a minimum.”
Volkswagen is working to keep businesses on the road by offering a range of service plan. These starting from £9.95 a month, taking the sting out of unplanned bills and unexpected repair costs with manageable monthly payments.
