Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Transport and Logistics: Labour Shortages

Thursday 16 December 2021 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial discussions have addressed the HGV driver shortage with 32 specific measures reported to ease the crisis.
  • Logistics UK indicates more HGV drivers are now on the roads, suggesting the measures are effective.
  • The Government states 1,350 more weekly HGV driver tests are conducted compared to pre-pandemic levels.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Richard Thomson
Employment Transport
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.

Question

What recent discussions he has had with the Home Secretary on tackling labour shortages in the transport and logistics sectors.

Answer from Grant Shapps

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.

Answered
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Q2 Richard Thomson
Immigration Employment
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.

Question

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?

Answer from Grant Shapps

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: acknowledges issue but avoids commitment to make visa package more attractive

How: Does Not Accept The Need To Change The Visa Programme

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Q3 Mike Kane Lab Wythenshawe and Sale East
Economy Employment Transport
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.

Question

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?

Answer from Grant Shapps

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.

Not addressed: shifts focus away from HGV driver shortage and proposed actions by Labour

How: Redirects To Aviation, Does Not Address Specific Labour Proposals

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