Stone calls for action on UK lorry driver shortage as numbers soar to 100,000
NORTH MP, Jamie Stone, has said it is "imperative" action is taken to resolve the shortage of lorry drivers as the number soars to 100,000.
The Caithness, Sutherland and easter Ross MP supports the Road Haulage Association's calls for the government to address the issue and showed his support for the HGV drivers by attending an event to mark National Lorry Week.
The Liberal Democrat MP, who posed for a photo in a truck, said: "Currently the shortage of drivers has increased from 60,000 to 100,000 after the pandemic, which is the highest it’s ever been. Experienced drivers have returned home with no incentive to come back.
"It is imperative that we fix these working conditions and get more people back on the high roads. Now, the impact of driver shortages has affected well-known companies including Tesco, Iceland, Heineken, and many more. It is the Government’s job to help people back on their feet. It is crucial that they work towards these conditions and commit to helping our drivers," added Mr Stone.
The Road Haulage Association wants the UK government to introduce a number of initiatives including:
*HGV drivers to be added to the Home Office Shortage Occupation List
*Access to EU/EEA labour minimum of 12 months
*UK-based HGV drivers to return to work
*Add HGV driver training permanently to the list of Skills Bootcamps from the National Skills fund.
Mr Stone emphasised the importance of HGV drivers and these measures in protecting their jobs.
The government says it is taking steps to address the shortage of HGV drivers, amid concerns about deliveries of food, fuel and other items in the run-up to Christmas.
It has introduced temporary visas for 5,000 lorry drivers to work in the UK although the take up is said to be minimal.
Critics say the shortage of HGV drivers is due to a combination of Covid, Brexit and other factors.
