The UK is facing the worst labor shortage on record. The government has promptly taken measures to mitigate the crisis. First thing first, it will issue temporary visas to 5,000 lorry drivers and 5,500 poultry workers until Christmas 2021.
The Department for Transport is well aware of disruptions in the food supply chain due to a shortage of truck drivers and fuel trucks. A shortage of lorry drivers has been going on for several months, plaguing a range of industries from supermarkets to fast food chains. In recent days, fuel deliveries have been adversely affected as well. As a result, hysteria has swept across the UK after some gas stations were closed. UK residents began to buy up gasoline. At the end of July 2021, the Road Haulage Association warned of a shortage of more than 100,000 qualified drivers in the UK. That number includes thousands of drivers from the European Union who left the United Kingdom after Brexit. At the same time, new drivers are unable to obtain a license due to coronavirus restrictions.
According to the Department for Transport, 5,000 heavy goods vehicle drivers will be able to come to the country until Christmas Eve through the Temporary Workers route. This measure is supposed to ease supply chain problems in the short term. In addition, 5,500 visas will be given to poultry farm workers to minimize pressure on the UK food industry. Notably, in October, the recruitment for additional short-term HGV drivers and poultry workers will begin. The route will last until December 24. The Department for Transport noted that this was a forced measure. In the long term, industries will have to find a way out, e.g. by hiring their own personnel. "We are acting now, but the industries must also play their part with working conditions continuing to improve and the deserved salary increases continuing to be maintained in order for companies to retain new drivers." Grant Shapps, the UK transport secretary, said.
In the near future, the Department for Transport will train about 4,000 truck drivers. The Department for Education will allocate £10 million for advanced training courses for truck drivers. Last but not least, the Ministry of Defense will organize the driving tests for new employees.
