Study reveals that 1 in 4 drivers experienced mental health problems in 2024, and 75% turned down work because of it
Milton Keynes, United Kingdom (November 5, 2025) — A new study by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has revealed that 25% of van drivers in the UK faced mental health problems over the past year, while 75% said they turned down work due to those issues.
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Released during the International Stress Awareness Week (November 3–7), the research paints a worrying picture for the industry: nearly two-thirds of respondents (63%) said they feel stressed or overwhelmed every month, citing the rising cost of living and long working hours as the main causes of fatigue.
Work-life balance is getting worse
The study also found that 39% of drivers feel overwhelmed every week trying to balance work and personal life — a significant increase from 30% the previous year. In addition, one-third (33%) of drivers lost at least one week of work due to mental health problems.
Among the main causes of stress, respondents mentioned:
- Cost of living crisis – 36%
- Poor work-life balance – 28%
- Excessive workload – 27%
Craig Cavanagh, mental health first aider at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, emphasized the importance of the issue:
“Driver wellbeing has always been a top priority for us, and we encourage both van drivers and businesses to take the issue seriously. We understand the challenges our customers face when dealing with long hours and the pressures of the cost of living. That’s why, during International Stress Awareness Week, we’re highlighting the impact these challenges can have on mental health and urging van drivers to prioritize their wellbeing.”
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles reaffirms its commitment to the safety and wellbeing of the professionals who keep the UK moving. More resources and information about mental health are available on the official ISMA website.
Source and images: Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles – OnePoll survey with 1,000 UK van drivers (December 2024)
