Jeremy Vine: Brexit to blame for lorry driver shortage says panelist

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

Across Britain, there is now a major shortage of lorry drivers caused by the coronavirus pandemic and post-Brexit immigration rules.

Greggs confirmed to PoliticsHome that a “small number of products” have been affected by the disruption.

Speaking to The Times, Steve Murrells, Co-operative Group chief executive, said current UK shortages are “at a worse level than at any time I have seen”.

Greggs, which specialises in baked produce, has more than 2,000 stores across the UK.

A combination of post-Brexit restrictions, and COVID-19 disruption, have caused shortages of workers in several industries.

Speaking to the BBC Rod McKenzie, from the Road Haulage Association, said: “We’ve lost 20,000 European drivers then Covid meant that 40,000 driver tests haven’t happened.”

He added the shortfall, combined with Brexit related border disruption, represent a “real and present danger” to UK industry.

More to follow…

Source: Read Full Article