There has been an ongoing shortage of HGV drivers that continues to affect the logistics industry. Two of the UK’s most prominent business groups, Logistics UK and the British Retail Consortium (BRC), recently wrote to the Department for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy (BEIS). Their goal was to outline three steps the government could take to correct the problem, saving the supply chain. Read on to learn more.
Not Changing Anytime Soon
Both Logistics UK and the BRC, which together represent more than 23,000 members, anticipate the crisis to worsen. As the demand for goods increases due to school starting, opening businesses, and the holiday season beginning, the logistics movements will only peak. David Wells, the Chief Executive of Logistics UK explains, “The current shortfall of around 90,000 HGV drivers is placing unsustainable pressure on retailers and their supply chains. While there was a shortage of HGV drivers prior to the Covid-19 pandemic and Brexit, these two events have exacerbated the situation; the pandemic halted driver training and testing for more than 12 months, while an estimated 14,000 EU drivers returned home during the pandemic and following the end of the transition period.”
Keeping the UK Trading
More than seven million employees help keep logistics companies moving along. With the pandemic, Brexit, and new technology changing the way goods move across borders – logistics has become even more important to the UK. Logistics UK pledges to support, shape, and stand up for safe and efficient logistics. They represent the industry’s only business group; with road, rail, sea, and air industry members. The ongoing driver shortage crisis is undoubtedly among their top priorities now.
As a part of the logistics world, we’ll keep an eye on this ongoing driver shortage crisis, as well as what’s being done to combat it.