London, UK: More than 1,600 hauliers and businesses have written to the Prime Minister calling for urgent action to address the escalating driver shortage crisis. The letter urges Boris Johnson to “personally intervene to find a full and workable solution to the critical shortage of HGV drivers”.
The letter, which is signed by major hauliers and trade bodies, urges Johnson to take swift action to add HGV drivers to the Shortage Occupation List for at least twelve months; extend and reform the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) to encourage experienced and retired drivers to return to driving; convene an HGV driver taskforce that would see the haulage industry and government work together.
The letter warns that without decisive action there is a “risk of further damage to not only our businesses and livelihoods, but the UK’s integrated and finely balanced supply chains”.
Rod McKenzie, RHA managing director, said: “There has never been a more challenging time for the haulage industry. The Prime Minister must act now or risk even more drastic disruption than we have already seen in recent months.
“Our members are committed to working with Government on long-term solutions to attract more drivers into the industry. However, the Government is simply not addressing the short-term severity of this crisis given the 18 months it will take to invest in and train a UK workforce. Lacklustre and ill-conceived proposals such as a three-month visa will not work.
“For months we have been calling for urgent action. The tin-eared approach from ministers to this spiralling situation cannot continue.”
