Coordinated by the Road Haulage Association, members and trade bodies have written a letter to the Prime Minister to ask for help in finding a full and workable solution to the critical shortage of HGV drivers.
The supermarket chain has announced plans to create 135 large goods vehicle (LGV) driver apprenticeships on a 12 to 15-month programme in 2022.
The government said that an extension to the number of deliveries overseas lorry drivers can make in the UK is likely to be beneficial to food supply chains.
Supermarket chain Aldi UK and supply chain organisation the Food and Drink Federation (FDF) welcomed the news that 10,500 temporary visas would be made available to alleviate the Christmas rush.
The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said the government was considering changes to the Seasonal Agricultural Workers’ Scheme to alleviate the impact of the labour shortage.
