Samantha Hathway 1st July 2021

Business leaders warn of empty shelves this summer due to chronic driver shortage

British shoppers could face empty supermarket shelves this summer unless something is done to address the chronic lorry driver shortage. This is the dire warning that was issued to the UK Government by the Road Haulage Association (RHA) on 23 June 2021. In a letter written and signed on behalf of road hauliers and leaders in the food and beverage industry, the communication appeals directly to Prime Minister Boris Johnson, warning that “critical supply chains are failing due to a significant shortage of HGV drivers”.

Pre-pandemic, the haulage industry was already facing a shortage of some 60,000 HGV drivers. However, according to Richard Burnett, Chief Executive of the RHA, this shortfall has now risen to over 100,000 drivers. As a result, this call for urgent action was sent by industry leaders to the Government, in order to prevent supply chains collapsing.

What’s caused the driver shortage?

In the letter, the dire shortage of HGV drivers and the resultant critical condition of the country’s supply chains was attributed to a number of factors. These include:

The impact of Covid – over 30,000 test slots were lost last year and only 15,000 drivers were able to qualify, down from the typical annual pass rate of 40,000. Additionally, travel restrictions forced drivers to return to their home country for extended periods of time, and many have not yet returned.

Brexit uncertainty – With so much uncertainty over whether EU drivers have the right to live and work in the UK, many have no plans to return even when restrictions are lifted.

Retiring drivers – during the pandemic, many drivers have retired early or found alternative employment.

Who signed the communication?

The communication was written by Richard Burnett, Chief Executive of the RHA, and co-signed by logistics industry heavyweights including Eddie Stobart, Wincanton, XPO Logistics and Samworth Brothers Supply Chain. The food industry was represented by groups including the Food and Drink Federation, the Federation of Wholesale Distributors, the British Frozen Food Federation and the British Beer and Pub Association.

The impact on supermarkets

Although the letter wasn’t co-signed by UK supermarket representatives, Tesco has recently warned that a severe driver shortage is resulting in a 13% increase in products going to waste. This is equivalent to 48 tonnes of food waste every week, or two articulated truckloads.

Hiring challenges

As we’ve already stated, in recent months, the impact on access to driver training and test slots has resulted in significantly fewer drivers qualifying. Even prior to the pandemic, the haulage industry was struggling with driver numbers. An ageing workforce meant that drivers were retiring faster than they could be replaced. Additionally, the industry was also struggling with a lack of diversity, in particular failing to attract female drivers. But if it was tough then, it’s becoming impossible for logistics businesses now, with the trade body Logistics UK reporting that 30% of its members are currently unable to find drivers.

Panic shopping – the threat to shoppers

To make matters worse, all of this comes at a time when we’re finally emerging from the pandemic. But images from 2020 of panic shopping and stockpiling won’t be far from people’s minds, and the last thing the country needs is more panic buying as shelves start running low. Indeed, with restrictions lifting, and the hospitality sector opening up, the letter warns that even more burden will be placed on the logistics sector. Major sporting events and music festivals will all need to be serviced, as well as the wedding sector. If nothing is done, Christmas deliveries could also be put in jeopardy.

Emergency talks taking place

As a result of this warning letter, the Government is now holding emergency talks with logistics groups, retailers and wholesalers, to address the issue of driver shortages. Officials from DEFRA (the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) are understood to be tabling several potential solutions. These include:

increased driver training
improving capacity for HGV driving tests
relaxing rules on drivers’ working hours
addressing immigration issues to attract overseas drivers

Becoming an HGV driver – how you can help

Given that the Government needs to boost driver numbers, now’s a great time to think about training to be a HGV driver. All you need to start your training is to be 18 years of age and to hold a full car driving licence. You can earn from £18,500 to £35,000 per year, and with the right mindset you can be sure of excellent job prospects, as well as good job security.

The right training centre will take you through all the steps – identifying the category of licence you need, organising medicals and your provisional licence, and getting you to the full Driver CPC. Here at Easy as HGV, we can help you achieve your dreams of becoming an HGV driver. We cover everything, from HGV driver training to finding a job, and we can help you realise your ambitions of life on the open road. What’s more, as you can see, road haulage is absolutely vital to the UK economy so you’ll not only be achieving your personal goals, but you’ll also really be helping the country to get back on track. If you’re interested then get in touch today and let us help you take the first steps to life as an HGV driver.

Samantha Hathway

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