The government is in a fix to introduce new drivers with temporary visas for 5000 fuel tank lorries after there has been a visible shortage in the lorry drivers due to Covid-19, Brexit and several other reasons.
Why this is important?
The Road Haulage Association has found out that there is a shortage of over 100,00 lorry drivers on street. This includes the several thousands of drivers who were living in european union states and were working in UK.
Why now?
Covid has a big role to play in this issue. With travel became restrained and people were made to lock themselves in homes, large part of economy shut down with several drivers went home and as per the reports only a handful have returned. The pandemic created a huge setback in getting new drivers.
Does Brexit has a role to play?
Yes, it has a role to play. With Brexit, several drivers who went home due to pandemic were unable to return due to the new immigration rules. Also, the decrease in the value of pound against the euro has also made working in UK less fancy.
What is being done to control the shortage?
There has been a bootcamp to employ 3000 more drivers on the road and exemptions have been made to allow more foreign workers.
