Around a quarter of operators expect to reduce their workforce over the coming year, according to the ninth annual pay survey from Incomes Data Services (IDS).
Carried out in conjunction with the RHA, the survey on pay and conditions for drivers and distribution workers shows the median settlement level for pay deals in 2008 was 3%, down from 3.9% in 2007, while some 15% of pay reviews in the sector resulted in pay freezes.
According to Ken Mulkearn, IDS Pay Report editor, the survey is a good indication of the state of the economy. "We conducted the survey in September, just as things were starting to slide, and the fact that nearly 25% of firms were talking about laying off staff in 2009 was an early indicator of the health of the economy."
Although modest increases in the average hourly rate of pay for LGV drivers in both categories was reported, van drivers experienced a 2.1% drop.
Of the 73 organisations surveyed, fewer than one-in-eight 
offer guaranteed overtime, with the most common basic holiday entitlement being 20 days. Whether paid weekly, monthly, or annually, the average bonus payment is equivalent to £37.87 a week.
Rates of basic hourly pay 2008 Driver Average Median category per hour per hour:
- LGV driver (Cat C+E) £8.25 £8.07
- LGV driver (Cat C) £7.95 £7.73
- Van driver £7.02 £6.97