Time will tell, it would be nice for qualifieds to at least get an interview
Please don't underestimate the degree of competition, even for the qualified posts. I drive for an inter city firm, doesn't matter which one. When I was recruited as a qualified applicant, they didn't advertise, simply invited from those who'd had the initiative to apply on spec (CVs only held on file for 6 months). That still gave them multiple hundred qualified applicants to choose from, just for my depot, and for a low single figure number of jobs. This situation will be no different.
Qualifieds also need to brush up on interview techniques, etc (Sorry if I'm telling you to suck eggs), as many drivers let themselves down badly. At the interview I had, one chap turned up with a packet of fags showing in his shirt pocket; another late, without having phoned ahead. Needless to say,neither were successful.
Best of luck.