pabenny wrote: ↑Wed Jul 07 2021 3:09pm
The shortage of drivers is despite the sharp reduction in cross-channel traffic.
The Covid-related interruption to driving tests (and presumably lessons) provides a handy explanation of w why this is nothing to do with Brexit.
It IS Brexit related.Under the new rules, drivers are not sufficiently skilled to qualify for immigration under the points scheme. There is an alternative 'frontier worker permit' for foreign drivers who started work before December 2020.
It's not just Brexit. There was a shortage anyway, and Covid has really put pressure on. Until recently, Eastern Europeans have formed a significant element of the UK's drivers. Many have returned home due to Covid. Throw in the delays on the driving tests and you've got an acute shortage.
Making drivers work longer isn't the solution. If you've got two routes to cover and only one driver, a couple more hours won't make any difference.