Logistics UK, which represents freight and haulage businesses, said the number of drivers leaving the profession had begun to ease.

The group also highlighted more trainees coming through the testing system as a cause for optimism.

However, it said more action was needed by the government and industry to make the sector attractive to new recruits.

Many UK sectors, from petrol stations to supermarkets, have experienced problems with deliveries due to the chronic shortage of lorry drivers.

The shortage of drivers is one of the reasons retailers have warned that consumers will have a reduced choice of food and drink at Christmas.

Logistics UK's report said that by early autumn there were 44,000 fewer HGV drivers compared to the same time in 2019.

But there has been a 25.6% increase in HGV driver tests from the July to September 2019 period compared to the same period in 2021 and a three-fold increase in applications for vocational provisional licences.

Average driver pay increased by 10% in the nine months to October 2021, the trade body said.

Elizabeth de Jong, policy director at Logistics UK, said the sector was seeing "green shoots" of recovery, and that in a few months, with more drivers trained, there will be an improvement in overall numbers.

"It is still a challenging time, there is still an acute shortage of drivers certainly but there a number of signs of improvement that could be coming," she said.

"We're seeing hope that more people are beginning to enter the industry, but we've got to keep attracting them by really improving the facilities."

She said that a lack of roadside facilities may be one of the reasons the industry is "seeing higher proportions of young people leaving".

Ms de Jong said there had not yet been an increase in the number of drivers employed, which would be the most important indicator that the situation had improved.

She also said she expects to see fewer deliveries due to the continuing shortage of drivers and other logistics workers, which could result in smaller ranges of products and difficulties restocking.

Why Choose HGV?

Demand for drivers is at an all-time high, with improved pay, better working conditions and more flexible hours, there has never been a better time to get back on the road!

Increased Pay - HGV jobs are being advertised at up to 45% higher than they were pre-pandemic. You could be earning £40,000 a year!

Improved Working Conditions - Investment in driver facilities such as toilets, showers, and catering, cleaner trucks and company uniforms are just a few changes both Government and businesses have made to improve driver welfare.

Better Working Hours - The sector is providing more options to suit people’s different lifestyles including flexible working, fixed hours, fixed days, full-time and part-time roles.

Mantra Learning are proud to be supporting talent into the sector through The Job Gym's Fully Funded HGV Training Programme. Find out more HERE.