
The lorry driver shortage crisis first grabbed headlines in early June when major distributor Nationwide Produce warned that fresh produce destined for UK supermarkets was being dumped due to a shortage of drivers.
The logistics industry, which retailers – especially grocers – rely on to transport goods to stores or warehouses, is facing an estimated shortfall of around 100,000 HGV drivers.
Hauliers have blamed the shortage on a large proportion of drivers being foreign nationals from European countries who had returned to the EU after Brexit.
This was combined with truck drivers not being included on the UK Government’s list of skilled labour, leaving new arrivals needing immigration paperwork.
In addition, Covid-19 had seen no new British truck drivers trained within the past 12 months, while changes in the rules of self-employment had led to a 25 per cent increase in agency driver charges.
BRC food and sustainability director Andrew Opie previously said that retailers were aware of a fall in HGV driver numbers and were working with their suppliers to ensure that consumers still have the same selection of fresh produce.
Politics Home: https://www.politicshome.com/news/article/labour-calls-government-relax-immigration-rules-lorry-shortages
BBC: https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-northamptonshire-57587253
I’ve not heard about immigrant drivers or staff shortages other than those affected by the ridiculous NHS App pinging system keeping some at home unnecessarily. I live on the outskirts of Oxfordshire, England where we have not only Oxford city but other major towns scattered throughout the county. There are an abundance of supermarkets throughout ranging from Asda, Sainsburys, Tesco, Aldi, Lidl, Co-op, Waitrose, M&S, Morrisons with all their satellite stores along with farm shops and around 30+ smaller outlets such as Spar, Budgens, One Stop etc. I’m not sure where your photo came from as the person is wearing… Read more »