// Poundland will pay the costs of getting a HGV Class 1 licence – which can be £2000 for current Class 2 HGV drivers
// Those working out of one of Poundland’s three distribution centres will qualify for a £1000 bonus in October
// Another £1000 bonus in January for those who work for Poundland between October and December
Poundland has announced that it will offer lorry drivers a £1000 bonus and training to upgrade their skills as part of a package to address the nationwide driver shortage.
The discount retailer said it would pay the costs of getting a HGV Class 1 licence – which can be as much as £2000, including the four-day training course.
This would enable existing HGV Class 2 licence holders, who drive rigid body units, to move to the next level so they can drive articulated lorries.
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Poundland said it would offer the support to HGV Class 2 drivers with six months experience, who will go on to a 12 month training contract when they get their Class 1 licence.
The offer to help fund the costs of getting a Class 1 licence is also open to existing Poundland staff and the discount retailer said six have already joined the scheme.
The training forms part of a wider incentives package, which also includes a bonus scheme, to boost recruitment and provide career development for for existing and new Poundland drivers.
Those working out of one of Poundland’s three distribution centres in Springvale, West Midlands, Wigan in Greater Manchester or Harlow, Essex from July to September will qualify for a £1000 bonus in October.
The retailer said that would be another £1000 bonus in January for those who work for Poundland between October and December.
Poundland is also currently recruiting more than 100 drivers across the three distribution centres.
It is looking to take on 40-50 drivers each in Wigan and Harlow and another 15 at Springvale near Bilston.
In all, Poundland employs around 265 full and part-time drivers at the three sites.
“We’re continuing to invest in our distribution teams to keep operations running smoothly,” Poundland logistics director Tim Goalen said.
“Funding the costs of getting a HGV Class 1 licence helps drivers get in the career fast lane, with more employment opportunities and higher earnings potential.”
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