Episode 5: The shortage of Lorry Drivers in the UK is an escalating problem – We reveal the real issues behind the crisis and potential solutions

The Compliance Experts Podcast

In this podcast episode we talk about the shortage of lorry drivers in the UK and reveal the real issues behind the crisis and potential solutions.
The problem is a crisis affecting global brands such as Coca-Cola, McDonalds, BP and Nando's, as well as companies trying to supply vaccines and essential goods around the UK, as they face severe delays in supply and demand. Dairy farms and other food produce companies are dealing with too much stock and the shelves of our supermarkets and chemists are beginning to dwindle.

The UK has a current shortage of HGV drivers, estimated to be somewhere around 60,000 to 80,000 drivers and we want to know why? What has happened?

Host Miles Vartan talks to UK long-term driver Giedrius Katkunas from VKVP (haulage company based in Felixstowe Port) about current driving conditions and all the issues that today’s UK haulage drivers face.

The conversation explores why so many lorry drivers have left the UK, what the differences are between lorry driving in the UK and Europe, the extreme conditions that lorry drivers face on our roads and the relentless demand for timely delivery.

Miles and Giedrius look at the law - current restrictions in place and the lifting of lorry driving hours and the impact on health and safety, the risks that evolve from relaxing hours and the impact on lorry drivers’ wellbeing.

The conversation closes with some solid facts in hand and potential solutions to help alleviate this fast-developing issue.

If you have any thoughts or opinions on this topic Miles would love to hear from you and discuss some of your points in a later episode.

Visit www.vartanconsultancy.com or email Miles on [e-mail] or call VARTAN on 01394 671756. Catch up on Vartan’s socials LinkedIn Twitter

Guest: Giedrius Katkunas – VKVP (Felixstowe, Suffolk)