A GLOBAL mobility expert has called for the UK Government to put long-term solutions in place to tackle the “complex” HGV driver crisis such as incentivising young people to join the industry.

Tory ministers had to step in as panic buying hit filling stations across the UK, with a shortage of lorry drivers having affected supplies of petrol and diesel. The army are on standby to provide military tanker drivers.

A temporary visa scheme is being set up by the UK Government to allow 5000 foreign HGV drivers into the UK on three-month contracts up to Christmas Eve.

Jane O’Berg, tax director at Johnston Carmichael, who specialises in global mobility taxes and has more than 20 years’ experience of advising businesses with workforces that cross borders, explained the causes of and potential solutions to the crisis.

She said: “The ongoing driver shortage is particularly complex. Whilst immigration and continuing Brexit fall-out does play an integral role in the crisis, the impact of the pandemic has also played its part.

“Many former HGV drivers now live abroad or have returned home to nations across Europe. Whilst Covid related travel restrictions have largely been lifted, the fact that the UK is no longer part of the European Union makes it doubly challenging for these workers to return to the UK.

She went on: “Above and beyond Brexit and the pandemic, changes to tax legislation have also played a key role. Before the IR35 legislation for the private sector was introduced in April of this year, many lorry drivers provided their services via intermediaries, eg their own personal service limited companies. With IR35 having had such a significant impact on this kind of work.

“HGV drivers may find the role is less lucrative with the additional cost of tax and national insurance, especially when combined with the added cost of a visa. It’s also important to note that the shortage of lorry drivers is an issue that pre-dates Brexit, IR35 and the pandemic. It is a very niche and challenging industry, which involves long hours and nights away from home. The fact that this industry has an ageing workforce also highlights a major issue.

“Whilst adding HGV drivers to the Home Office’s UK Shortage Occupation List could speed things up in the short term, if there is to be a long-term solution that provides more than a sticking plaster, the industry has to incentivise new workers in order to attract a younger demographic. I believe there is a real opportunity here to encourage school leavers and young people into an industry that provides a reliable income, flexible working and a long-term career.”

Adam Hardie, business development partner and head of food and drink at Johnston Carmichael, said that local producers could help to ease the supply crisis affecting supermarkets. He said: “Despite the initial negative impact of the shortage on some larger businesses, I am encouraged by the resilience and innovation shown by the vibrant network of local food and drink suppliers that we have in Scotland. Covid and Brexit have meant that people are thinking about food and supply chains differently for a wide variety of reasons – environmental, social and security as well as on a cost basis.

“There is a real opportunity for distribution that is closer to home to tick all those boxes, and for local food and drink suppliers to take advantage of the temporary drop-off in supply by supporting their immediate communities. Local produce could also provide an answer to upcoming supermarket shortages, and I would urge the public to support them wherever they can.”