1 in 4 UK van drivers (25%) experienced mental health issues last year, while two-thirds (66%) felt overwhelmed at least once a month, according to a study by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles*.
The survey of 1,000 UK van drivers found that the cost of living crisis was cited as a leading cause of stress (54%), followed closely by work-life balance (36%) and finances (35%)*.
With UK inflation still at a record high, many businesses are feeling the pinch; in fact, over half (55%) of van drivers reported they had worked longer hours*.
Van drivers are also spending longer on the road, with respondents reporting an average of 74 miles per day compared to 57.2 miles in 2021*.
With fuel prices still high, up from 137p per litre in October 2021** to 157p in October 2023***, the survey also found that the average weekly fuel spend increased from £62.40 to £108.46 over the same period – almost double as a weekly outlay*.
Richard Beresford, Chief Executive of the National Federation of Builders, said:“The cost of living crisis has hit construction workers hard, especially impacting their mental health and wellbeing. Factors including fuel prices, vehicle repair costs, late payments and higher prices for goods and materials – which are fifty per cent higher than they were before the pandemic – all contribute to increased stress levels.
“These day-to-day challenges take a toll over time, resulting in many construction workers not making it to their pensionable age.”
* OnePoll survey of 1,000 UK commercial vehicle drivers, February 2023
** Data pulled from Office National Statistics on 06 October 2023: https://www.ons.gov.uk/economy/inflationandpriceindices/timeseries/czmk/mm23
*** Data pulled from the RAC website on 06 October 2023; data represents the UK average, price is in pence per litre. Information is collected from supermarkets and independent forecasts. Information is correct at the time of research: Petrol prices and diesel prices in the UK | Latest fuel data from the RAC | RAC Drive
