“This is a pressing issue for our businesses, and it’s imperative that [the UK] The Government is taking immediate steps to help mitigate the impact of the driver shortage crisis ahead of the Christmas period,” the letter states.
Beverage industry urges government to extend one year Temporary visa program that allows drivers from abroad to meet the shortfall. The three-month program will expire on February 28 next year.
WSTA CEO Miles Beale said in a statement: “We have seen significant delays in wine and liquor delivery times, which is driving up costs and limiting the range of products available to consumers. UK consumers”.
Connection The importation of wine and spirits by some members is up to five times lower than it was a year ago. It also shows incremental costs was passed on to importers as forwarders had to pay more for scarce drivers.
“This is of particular concern to small and medium-sized businesses that are unable to compete with large businesses to attract drivers,” the industry regulator said.
CNN Business has reached out to the UK government for a response.
Some EU workers have left after Brexit and farms, food processing plants and trucking companies are no longer able to recruit from the European Union due to the UK’s new immigration regulations. Brother.
The government has issued 5,000 temporary visas to foreign drivers, but Britain’s Road Transport Association says Britain needs an additional 100,000 drivers to meet demand.
Farmers, bankers, retailers, logistics companies and restaurateurs have all warned the government in recent months that stricter immigration rules are in place after Britain leaves the Union. Europe will make it difficult for them to find workers and maintain their businesses.
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