Transport and Logistics Labour Shortages 2021-12-16
2021-12-16
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP raised concerns about ongoing labour shortages, particularly in the HGV driver sector. Recent discussions with the Home Secretary were sought to understand specific actions taken.
What recent discussions he has had with the Home Secretary on tackling labour shortages in the transport and logistics sectors.
The Government have taken decisive action to address the acute HGV driver shortage, with 32 specific measures that have been taken. Logistics UK reports this has reduced the crisis as we have started to see more HGV drivers on the road.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Following the initial query, concerns were raised about the effectiveness of temporary visas issued by the Government to attract foreign HGV drivers. Only 10% of open visa spaces have been filled.
The Government may have taken decisive action in their own eyes, but it does not seem to be having the desired effect, because the temporary visas issued by the Government in the latter part of this year have failed to attract even 10% of the open visa spaces. Given that the rest of Europe also has an HGV driver shortage, will the Secretary of State accept that the UK Government need to make our visa package for HGV drivers more attractive to EU drivers in order to help quell the domestic driver shortage?
The hon. Gentleman highlights that Europe and the world face significant HGV driver shortages. The Government does not believe issuing additional visas is necessary, as there are 1,350 more weekly tests compared to pre-pandemic levels.
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Assessment & feedback
acknowledges issue but avoids commitment to make visa package more attractive
Does Not Accept The Need To Change The Visa Programme
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
There is a concern over the UK's current strategy in dealing with the significant HGV driver shortage, which is impacting economic performance. Labour suggests creating a Minister for supply chain crisis.
Neither have we been invited to his last couple of Christmas parties, but we will wait to hear more on that. Perhaps, after the Sunday Times article, he should spend a little less time defending the rights of private airstrips where he can land his plane and a little more time sorting out the estimated 90,000 shortage of HGV drivers, which is holding our economy back. So here is some helpful advice: will he finally act to back Labour's plans to appoint a Minister for the supply chain crisis, boost driver recruitment and retention, and secure agreement with the EU, particularly after the news on France today, to prevent future import controls at ports worsening the situation?
The hon. Gentleman attacks aviation but does not understand that transport includes all forms; freight by rail and air are part of logistics. He does not seem to grasp how cargo moves globally. On supply chain, I spoke to French opposite number Jean-Baptiste Djebbari confirming no haulier movement restrictions.
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Assessment & feedback
shifts focus away from HGV driver shortage and proposed actions by Labour
Redirects To Aviation
Does Not Address Specific Labour Proposals
Response accuracy