London, UK: A report on BBC 2’s Newsnight programme has taken the lid off the driver shortage crisis, highlighting new figures that show, 40 of Britain’s largest hauliers have 3,654 driver vacancies – that is 91 vacancies per haulier.
The report, based on a Road Haulage Association member survey, also revealed that even small and medium-sized hauliers are affected with around four vacancies per haulier.
In total, the RHA estimates there is a national driver shortage of 100,000. More than 58% of hauliers blame the driver shortage on Brexit, with EU drivers choosing to go home as a result of tighter immigration controls in the UK and the fact that pay and conditions were generally better in their home country.
The Cold Chain Federation’s chief executive Shane Brennan told Newsnight that the driver workforce was “incredibly tired and stressed” but doing everything they can to keep the supply chain working.
“We are seeing shortages in some places. That level of pressure is going to get worse and worse throughout the summer unless we find ways to take action to bring in the reinforcements we need.”
Brennan said that administrative barriers preventing drivers getting back to the industry need to be removed. Allowing skilled drivers from overseas to work in the UK was another priority. Finally, resources need to be co-ordinated on a “crisis footing”, in a similar way to the action taken at the height of panic buying last spring.
