There is a continuous shortage of HGV and Lorry drivers within the United Kingdom. Based on estimates, there’s a shortage of approximately 100,000 motorists in the United Kingdom. Prior to the outbreak of Coronavirus, there were around 600,000 motorists in UK which included hundreds of drivers operating HGVs of EU members.
One of the reasons for the present shortage of workers is the post-Brexit adjustments to immigration laws. The post-Brexit changes resulted in a lot of EU workers returning to the UK. Because there is no longer a need for the United Kingdom is no longer an official participant in the European Union or the single market, it is now much easier for European drivers to get jobs within the EU and in their countries.
Additionally, that, when you look at the Coronavirus outbreak that is ongoing as well as the restrictions which have been set by it, self-isolation regulations, as well as the furlough program that keeps some people from working There, are many other reasons that will further exacerbate the shortage.
Since HGV drivers who are new cannot be tested and trained during lockdowns, the epidemic has reduced the number of new drivers of HGVs. As a result of the pandemic 30,000 driving test sites were lost which made it very complicated for the new driver to become their vehicles up and operating.
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Other Reasons
Alongside the previously mentioned motives, a variety of other factors are the main reason for the current truck shortages. They include:
The low pay and conditions force drivers to seek out jobs that offer better financial compensation.
Drivers who are retiring and a dearth of new drivers joining the market, mostly because of the inherently negative and uncertain nature that the marketplace.
The introduction of IR35 modifications has caused many EU drivers to quit the UK and create a new shortage.
This isn’t only confined only to the United Kingdom; other European nations, including France and Germany, are also experiencing similar problems. As a result, it is clear that Britain is being the hardest hit.
Numerous major companies within Britain and the United Kingdom have complained about the shortage of drivers for HGVs. The shortage of drivers has led to an insufficient supply of goods and some even in the form of products.
David Moore of Western Industrial Business Interiors David Moore of Western Industrial Business Interiors something like seeing a substantial increase of companies seeking solutions to increase the storage capacity in their facilities in the past few months. Logistic administrators try to meet the expectations of customers by ensuring every truckload is filled with the right amount of merchandise at its highest capacity.
How can we deal with the problem?
One option that has been suggested is to expand and promote the concept of storage for teams of short duration until the most pressing issue of a lack of truck drivers is solved.
Morrisons is warning of an increase in prices across the industry to deal with the shortage of drivers for HGVs.
According to the company, they anticipate an increase in retail prices across the industry during the second quarter, due to the continued recent price increases for commodities, freight inflation, as well as the shortage of HGV drivers. To combat this issue, they are planning to lower these and other costs, including those needed to maintain high shelves.
Morrisons isn’t the only one, however. Other large companies, like McDonald’s, Coca-Cola, Wetherspoons and Nando’s are also experiencing shortages in supply. Due to the absence of the peri-peri chicken that is famously served in restaurants, Nando’s had to close 50 of its stores just a few weeks ago.
Coca-Cola has confirmed the fact that Diet Coke is unavailable in many UK stores due to a shortage of drivers.
The ongoing logistical challenges have led to many empty shelves in stores across the country, causing fears over Christmas, typically the season with the highest demand.
As per the British Retail Consortium (BRC) the retailers do all they can to ensure that there are no supply disruptions prior to Christmas.
The British government has announced they will combat the problem of shortages of truck drivers by attracting new drivers, cutting down on the requirements for certification of drivers and improving the working conditions.
A letter of open letters was sent to the industry. The Transport Secretary Grant Shapps vowed it, Cooperate and Pensions Secretary Therese Coffey, as well as George Eustice, the Environment Secretary, to collaborate with industry leaders to find drivers, streamline training, and help people to remain in business.
Conclusion
But, given the Christmas-related goods being transported across the country the actions taken to ease the issue could be inadequate or in the wrong time. The authorities are responsible for this need to recognize the above-mentioned factors as the primary causes for the shortages of drivers of lorries. After the root causes are identified and addressed, they can reduce the damage caused and get things back to normal. However, this is an extremely long and tiring process however, no guarantees of immediate resolution should be given.
