Van drivers are working unsociable hours to keep Britain moving, with a quarter clocking in at night or on Saturdays and Sundays at least once a week, according to a survey by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles*.
The study revealed van drivers are more likely to work night shifts or at weekends than the national average of one in nine employees**. In fact, over half of van drivers have to work late or at the weekends several times a month.
The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the need for van drivers to work outside of normal hours, too, with online shopping hitting a 10-year high*** and many businesses recruiting extra delivery drivers this year.
Van drivers in London, Northern Ireland and the South West are most likely to be called in to work outside of their 9-5; with a third clocking up unsociable hours. By contrast, Scottish drivers operate more regular hours with just one in 10 working nights or weekends.
Previously, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles revealed how two-thirds of van drivers had missed important family events like wedding anniversaries, birthdays and Valentine’s Day because of attending emergency call-outs or of making last minute deliveries.
To help drivers who work unusual or long hours, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles offers Mobile Service Clinics to make sure owners can get their vans serviced while they’re not in use. Similarly, extended opening hours at Van Centres help to minimise downtime and allow owners to collect their vans before their shift starts.
Head of Fleet at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, Claire English, commented: “Our statistics show that working nine to five really is no way to make a living for a lot of van drivers. Their jobs often require them to work unsociable hours, either through night shifts or at weekends, and this has been even more noticeable this year. We know this isn’t always easy which is why as part of our Working With You promise, we offer a range of flexible servicing and maintenance programmes to help keep your van on the road and make ownership as stress-free as possible.â€
Additionally, to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of the UK’s van drivers, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles recently teamed up with What Car? and TV personality Edd China for the What Car? Van Heroes initiative. Following a testing 12 months, What Car? Van Heroes looked to celebrate the van drivers who have kept the nation moving through difficult times. A selection of 10 winners were selected and recognised for their excellent work this year on the What Car? website here.
For more details on Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ award-winning range of products and services, or to find your nearest Van Centre, please visit www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk.
*Article Source http://www.volkswagen.co.uk
