Govt could act on driver shortages

THE Government is considering bringing forward a review of its Shortage of Occupation list to tackle the issue of the HGV driver shortages.

Supermarkets and suppliers are struggling to meet demand following an exodus of drivers from EU countries, who returned to the continent during the pandemic and remained there, with Brexit making their return difficult.

The health crisis also brought DVLA testing centres to a standstill, creating a huge backlog.

A review of the Shortage of Occupation list, which sets out jobs where overseas workers can apply for visas, is not due until next year.

But the Press Associaton understands proposals have been floated for bringing forward the review so HGV drivers can be included to ease the problems in the supply chain.

Several Government departments are liaising over the issues, including the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy department, the Home

Office, the Department for Transport, the Department for Education, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, and the Department for Work and Pensions.

Home Office officials are said to be blocking the review, amid concerns it could lead to other sectors demanding inclusion. A source said: “It has been floated and seems like the obvious solution but there’s been a lot of pushback.”

HGV drivers are not included on the list but there is pressure from supermarkets to include them.

The average age of a UK HGV driver is 55 and ministers are concerned an aging workforce needs replacing. Government officials are working closely with the DVLA to increase the number of tests taking place.

They have also increased funding for apprentices. Supermarkets and hauliers have warned prices could go up as wages are rising for drivers – having stagnated for the past five years.