RHA and Women in Transport warn of looming workforce crisis and call for urgent action on intergenerational inclusion

RHA and Women in Transport warn of looming workforce crisis and call for urgent action on intergenerational inclusion

10 Dec 2025 Posted By Paul Mummery

The RHA (Road Haulage Association) and Women in Transport (WiT) are calling for urgent action to tackle a growing generational challenge in the UK transport and logistics sector.

They urge the industry to better cater for generational expectations in the workplace as it faces up to long-term recruitment and retention challenges.

The bodies have joint authored their Navigating Generational Change: Building a FutureReady Transport Workforce report which reveals that the average age of transport workers is now 46, with nearly 40 percent expected to retire within 10-15 years.

Only two percent of HGV drivers are under 25 at a time when the industry needs to attract 60,000 more a year for the next five years to meet demand and drive growth.

Meanwhile, access to flexible working in frontline roles remains at just 14%, despite younger generations ranking flexibility and wellbeing among their top priorities.

The report – which the bodies released at the RHA’s Logistics Leaders Forum in London today (Tuesday 9 December) – sets out 11 actions for employers to build a future-ready, multigenerational workforce:

  1. Map workforce demographics and retirement risk
  2. Audit and update policies for real-world usability
  3. Train line managers in generational leadership
  4. Introduce structured intergenerational mentoring
  5. Elevate early-career and underrepresented voices
  6. Modernise learning and development to suit all generations
  7. Make health and life-stage inclusion standard
  8. Build belonging across age groups
  9. Embed generational inclusion into workforce strategy and KPIs
  10. Share generational data across the sector
  11. Prepare now for Gen Alpha

Richard Smith, Managing Director of the RHA, said:

“The road transport industry is the backbone of the UK economy. But like every sector, it faces a changing world. By understanding how different generations view work, skills, and career progression, we can create strategies that attract, retain, and develop talent across every age group.”

Jo Field, Chair of Women in Transport, added:
“Age is still one of the most overlooked yet consequential aspects of workplace diversity. If we fail to bridge generational perspectives, we risk losing the talent that makes our sector innovative and resilient. The organisations that succeed will be those that make the most of every generation’s strengths.”

RHA and WiT warn that without immediate action, the sector risks significant skills gaps, reduced resilience, and long-term disruption to transport operations across the UK.

They call on transport and logistics businesses to share the report with their leadership and HR teams, and to partner with WiT and the RHA to pilot intergenerational initiatives.

-Ends-


Notes to Editors

Navigating Generational Change: Building a FutureReady Transport Workforce.

Acknowledgements

The report was developed jointly by Women in Transport (WiT) and the Road Haulage Association (RHA). With thanks to all roundtable participants, survey respondents, and sector partners who generously shared their insights. Authors: Shireen Ali-Khan & Sally Gilson.

About the RHA

The RHA is the largest dedicated trade association in the UK for HGV, van, and coach operators. We represent 8,500 members, giving them a strong voice with government, policymakers, and local authorities on the issues that matter most - from legislation and rising fuel costs to better roadside facilities and the transition to a Net Zero transport system. Since 1945 we’ve proudly supported hauliers, and today our membership also includes coach and van operators. We provide a voice, technical and professional services to help businesses stay compliant and run efficiently, alongside a wide range of accredited training programmes to develop people and operations. We champion the highest standards across our industry and work hard to be the trusted organisation driving business on Britain’s roads.

About Women in Transport

Women in Transport is a not-for-profit, professional network that empowers women in the transport sector through mentoring, networking, advocacy, and research. With members spanning every mode of transport, WiT campaigns for inclusive workplaces and stronger representation at every level.

Contact (media) – Paul Mummery, RHA Head of News & Media: [email protected]

Contact (report authors) – [email protected] and [email protected]