There’s nothing new about a shortage of truck drivers. In the US, the American Trucking Association has predicted there will be a shortage of 160,000 drivers by 2028. Similar shortages are present in Europe. In the UK, the impact of Brexit and changing regulations has compounded the problem further, leaving the country facing probably the worst crisis.
Why is the UK hardest hit? The Road Haulage Association has estimated the UK is short of 100,000 drivers, out of a pre-pandemic total of 600,000. In recent weeks we have seen reports of major supply chain issues attributed to the shortage. Wetherspoon’s has been running out of beer, McDonald’s has had to stop selling milkshakes and Nando’s has had to close 50 of its sites. Furthermore, there has been some indication that the worst may be yet to come – Father Christmas himself might find the festive season is disrupted by driver shortages, unless a solution can be found.
The Covid-19 pandemic has had a hand...