15% capacity decline since 2020 driven by a post-Brexit EU driver exodus, an aging demographic averaging 55 years old, and pandemic testing backlogs.
A £60,000 hire costs an SME £12,000 in agency fees upfront, plus £8,250 in annual NIC tax liability. With the National Living Wage at £12.71 per hour and Employer NIC increased to 15%, traditional agency fees are no longer sustainable.
True Cost of Employment: £17.37 per hour / Hour