Government Measures for HGV Drivers
In an announcement last week, the government have outlined steps to support the HGV industry.
With a current shortfall of around 90,000 UK drivers, some supply chains are seeing delays in deliveries, forcing the Government to step in.
Government Response
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. This government continues to do everything we can to help the haulage and food industries contend with the HGV driver shortage.”
The measures include short term temporary visas for 5000 HGV drivers. This will allow them to work in the UK from October to December in the lead up to Christmas.
The Department for Education (DfE) has also announced an investment of £10 million into new training schemes.
The program will see 3000 new HGV drivers trained and ready to hit the road. A further 1000 drivers will receive training through the Government’s adult education budget.
The Ministry of Defence (MOD) will also increase testing capacity by deploying Defence Driving Examiners (DDEs). The aim is to have fully trained drivers in as little as 12 weeks.
The DfT has also agreed to work with Driver and Vehicles Standards Agency (DVSA) to make the training more accessible. This so that more drivers can be road-ready as quickly as possible.
The government are also trying to encourage retired HGV drivers to return. the DVLA has sent over 1 million letters to old and existing drivers thanking them for their service.
Industry Response
Logistics UK’s director of policy, Elizabeth de Jong said:
“The Government’s decision to grant 5,000 temporary visas for HGV drivers to help in the short term is a huge step forward,” she said. “We are pleased the Government has listened to our calls and has made this bold decision to support the UK economy. We are also delighted that DfT have agreed to jointly send nearly one million letters to all drivers who currently hold an HGV driving licence. With fantastic HGV driving opportunities available in the logistics industry, now is the perfect time to consider returning to the occupation.”
Useful Links
For more information go to: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/more-support-to-help-people-to-become-hgv-drivers-among-package-of-government-measures-to-ease-risk-of-shortages
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Government Measures for HGV Drivers
