Drivers are in demand for the three months to the end of March, according to transport recruitment specialists Manpower Driving.

The Manpower Employment Outlook Survey, which measures employer hiring intentions for the quarter ahead among more than 2,000 UK employers, shows that the balance of employers in the transport sector looking to take on more staff is +18%.

This means that 21% are looking to take on staff and 3% are looking to reduce numbers.

Simon Edwards, operations manager of Manpower Driving, said: “The transport sector is exceptionally strong this quarter, with much of this increased optimism coming from the driving industry.

“At Manpower, we are seeing a surge in demand for drivers, as companies start to reduce their current drivers’ hours in preparation for the Road Transport Directive, which comes into force on 23 March.”