Two-thirds (60 per cent) of UK van drivers are working longer hours as continuing cost pressures contribute to a bleak economic outlook for many, according to a study by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.

The survey of 1,000 UK van drivers revealed that 68 per cent are feeling no more optimistic about the outlook for their business than they did last year, with the rising cost of materials among the greatest challenges.

An increase in working hours means that van drivers are now averaging 9 hours and 10 minutes of work per day – up from 8 hours 34 minutes reported in February 2023 – with 2 in 5 working over 10 hours per day. This represents a 7 per cent increase in the average working day, year on year.

This comes at a time when, despite the inflation rate falling to 4.2 per cent in January 2024, van drivers are still concerned about the high cost of materials and those associated with the day-to-day running of their business. For example, the average price of ready-mixed concrete and flexible pipes and fittings are up 14.6 per cent and 23.8 per cent respectively since last year, putting further pressure on the construction industry