Supermarkets could have empty shelves because the Government is "sleepwalking" into a lorry driver crisis. That is the view of a cross-party group of MPs, who also warned petrol forecourts could run dry unless urgent action is taken, the Mirror reports.
Conservative Huw Merriman, chair of the Commons Transport Committee, said: "Without a new approach, the Government risks sleepwalking into another supply chain crisis. We have watched a sector struggling with recruitment and retention.
"Drivers are retiring and not enough is being done to recruit a younger and more diverse workforce. Only a radical overhaul… will see more people consider HGV driving as a good career.”
The committee said that the Government is "unlikely" to be able to prevent issues with its current approach. The MPs have proposed a new tax for companies who do not build better rest stops for drivers, which include clean toilets and showers, food options including healthy choices, and sufficient provision for female drivers.
It is part of their drive for better training, facilities and vehicle security, to encourage more people to to take up - and remain in - jobs as HGV drivers. "All [are] key to valuing drivers in an employment market where drivers can earn good wages elsewhere," Mr Merriman said.
But ministers are yet to accept the committee's proposals. Mr Merriman said: "It’s time to shift the bill to those who make the largest profits.
“A failure to invest in their own supply chain should lead to a financial levy. These companies, from oil producers to retail and online giants, make billions in profits but fail to invest in improvements for the drivers who deliver their profits.
"The Government need to reduce red tape to incentivise new facilities to be built faster. If the industry will not then build, and invest in the resilience which drivers need, then the Government should do it for them and send them the bill."
