The British government is taking steps to tackle the country’s major supply problems. 10,500 temporary visas are issued for foreign workers. They may come and work as truck drivers or in the poultry sector.
The United Kingdom has been struggling with staff shortages for some time, especially at transport companies and slaughterhouses. Causes include the corona pandemic and the strict immigration rules after Brexit.
Many sectors suffer from the lack of truckers. For example, many shelves in supermarkets are empty and there are gas stations to close because they run out of gas.
Christmas
Earlier, the government did not want to start special visas for employees from abroad. But as retailers warn that Christmas deliveries are in jeopardy, transport minister Shapps has taken the plunge.
The temporary visas will be valid for the next three months and, according to Shapps, should ensure that “Christmas preparations remain on track”. Recruitment letters are also being sent to a million people who have a truck license but are not employed in the industry.
The British Chamber of Commerce has reacted skeptically to the measures and speaks of a drop in the ocean. The transport industry estimates that there is a shortage of at least 100,000 truck drivers in the country.
–
