The haulage and logistics sector is being blighted by a major skills shortage, according to a new survey.

The survey, from the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) Drivers Group, shows that more than 200,000 skilled workers will be required within the industry in the next 10 years.

There is also concern among both recruiters and employers that current shortages will be compounded by the industry’s ageing workforce.

Andrew Horner, chair of the drivers sector group and a member of the REC board, says: “Despite the current recession, this is still a worrying shortfall of skilled workers within haulage and logistics. Although there are less opportunities available than last year, we still need to attract more people.

“One of the challenges we face is changing the perception of haulage and logistics as a career choice - in particular to women and ethnic minorities who are under-represented in the industry.”