Training for up to 4,000 people and the deployment of Ministry of Defence examiners to help increase immediate HGV testing capacity - are part of a package of measures that have been announced by the UK Government, in a bid to resolve the lorry driver shortage. 

Nearly one million letters are to be sent to all drivers who currently hold an HGV driving licence, encouraging them back into the industry, the Government has said. 

Meanwhile, 5,000 HGV drivers and 5,500 poultry workers will be added to an existing visa scheme until Christmas 2021 to help food and fuel industries with driver shortages. 

The Government has been under intense pressure to take action with a fuel crisis sparked in the last couple of days.  

Scenes of lengthy queues at petrol stations after a shortage of HGV drivers forced some fuel retailers to shut their pumps and ration sales and this is on top of supermarket supply issues. 

The Herald:

Experts suggest the industry is short of about 90,000 drivers.

The Department for Education is investing up to £10m to create new Skills Bootcamps to train up to 3,000 more people to become HGV drivers - these will be free, intensive courses. 

An additional 1,000 people are expected to be trained through courses accessed locally and funded by the government’s adult education budget.

The Department for Transport (DfT) have also agreed to work with Driver and Vehicles Standards Agency (DVSA) to ensure that tests will be available for participants who have completed training courses as soon as possible.

While, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has announced the immediate deployment of their Defence Driving Examiners (DDEs) to increase the country’s testing capacity. MOD examiners will work alongside DVSA examiners, providing extra tests over the next 12 weeks.

HGV drivers are expected to receive letters in the coming days. 

READ MORE: Fuel stations in Scotland hit with £30 limit after 'unprecedented demand'

Recruitment for additional short-term HGV drivers and poultry workers will begin in October and these visas will be valid until 24 December 2021.

UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) are preparing to process the required visa applications, once made, in a timely manner.

However, the Government has stressed that want to "see employers make long term investments in the UK domestic workforce instead of relying on labour" to build a high-wage, high-skill economy.

They say visas will not be the long term solution, and reform within the industry is vital. 

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “This package of measures builds on the important work we have already done to ease this global crisis in the UK, and this Government continues to do everything we can to help the haulage and food industries contend with the HGV driver shortage.

“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. 

“After a very difficult 18 months, I know how important this Christmas is for all of us and that’s why we're taking these steps at the earliest opportunity to ensure preparations remain on track.”

READ MORE: Tesco warns of Christmas panic buying as fears mount on HGV driver shortage

Separately, the Government is also bringing in legislation to allow delegated driving examiners at the three emergency services and the MoD to be able to conduct driving tests for one another. This will give the emergency services greater flexibility and help increase the number of tests DVSA examiners can provide HGV examiners.

The government will also provide funding for both medical and HGV licenses for any adult who completes an HGV driving qualification accessed through the Adult Education Budget in academic year 2021/22. Previously, adults who took these qualifications had to pay for their own licenses.

 

Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi said:“HGV drivers keep this country running. We are taking action to tackle the shortage of drivers by removing barriers to help more people to launch new well-paid careers in the industry, supporting thousands to get the training they need to be road ready. 

“As we build back from the pandemic we’re committed to supporting people, no matter their background, to get the skills and training they need to get good jobs at any stage of their lives, while creating the talent pipeline businesses need for the future.”

Environment Secretary George Eustice said: “It is a top priority to ensure that there are enough workers across the country’s supply chains to make sure they remain strong and resilient.

 “We have listened to concerns from the sector and we are acting to alleviate what is a very tight labour market.”

People have been spotted filling up jerry cans with petrol in pictures being circulated on social media.

Esso, BP and Tesco forecourts have been affected by challenges getting petrol deliveries.

A number of fuel stations across Scotland have introduced a £30 limit on fuel per vehicle in light of "unprecedented customer demand".

The Food and Drink Federation’s Chief Executive, Ian Wright CBE, said:“We welcome the Government’s pragmatic decision to temporarily add HGV drivers and poultry workers to the existing visa scheme.  

“This is something UK food and drink manufacturers have asked for over the last few months - including in industry’s Grant Thornton report - to alleviate some of the pressure labour shortages have placed on the food supply chain.

“This is a start but we need the Government to continue to collaborate with industry and seek additional long term solutions.”