HGV driver specialist Clearstone has launched Stepping Stone, a service that offers employers the option of paying a flat day rate for new drivers on a ‘trial before hire’ basis, for up to 20 days.

Companies wishing to recruit a driver on a permanent basis following this period are offered a reduced introduction fee, from which the initial trial costs are deducted.

Clearstone hopes to encourage transport companies to take on newly qualified drivers and help ease the driver shortage.

Paul Jacobs (pictured), Clearstone chief executive says: “We appreciate the caution that employers display when recruiting drivers but there are simply not enough experienced drivers to go around.  If we’re to avoid a logistics crisis in the UK we need to undertake a step-change in attitudes towards recruitment.”

Jacobs continued: “Some forward-thinking companies are realising the advantages of recruiting new drivers. This approach emphasises the benefits of taking on a keen and recently trained driver, who has not had a chance to learn bad habits that may be engrained in an experienced driver.”