Well folks,woke up to yet another crisis here in UK. As if Brexit and Covid wasn't enough of a slap in the face, we now have yet another situation looming. Panic buying, leaving petrol stations unable to deliver enough fuel in some places due to a shortage of HGV drivers. This comes just after we have been told that some Energy Suppliers (Gas/ Elec) are going bust, as the world market prices hit yet another hike. Europe depends on 41% Gas supply from Russia apparently. The knock on effect being, essential goods and services are not always reaching the public domain as normal. Our Government are now desperately trying to find 5000 HGV drivers from abroad by easing the visa route ( by fast tracking ?). Just another day in a world full of Chaos. Stay safe, Stay sane.
The lack of HGV drivers isn't "another situation", it's largely a direct consequence of Brexit, that the government failed to address. Low salaries in the sector are a compounding factor.
Correct with your thoughts to a point, however I can assure you the UK public do feel it's another knock on effect of both Covid and Brexit combined, especially as we have not felt the shortages of services and consumer goods till now. Yes there was an initial problem after Brexit but in general things had been stable for over 18 months till now. Maybe a case of the Government hiding the true facts and things could well get a whole lot worse before they find the answers.
I read the UK needs 100,000 HGV drivers and there are 2 million vacancies for all jobs! This includes the need for about 50,000 Care Workers and 30,000 Primary School teachers. I accept partly this is linked to Brexit but there are shortages within the EU as well. Perhaps many people just don't like the idea of gong back to work! Under 'piece-work' rates, pickers for cauli and cabbage are being offered up to £30 an hour (most will never achieve that), so imagine the price of those veg in the shops. Inflation is the big current issue. The blockage in the Suez canal also disrupted world shipping but undoubtedly the pandemic has had a massive effect. But thinking about wages - what a World where those who take our money and gamble with it are paid millions a year in salaries and bonuses (often based on how much risk they take with other people's money!) - and for sure will be rewarded by the corrupt Honours' system - and those who care for us are given a pittance.
I remember an old friend of my Father, always argued with my Dad that Profit was made of shortages, not plenty ) We are being told now, that wages are increasing, hence so will inflation, we're once again seeing house prices rise and no doubt everything else will too. This Conservative Government has broken so many pledges and it's the poorest in our society that will suffer the most. £30 an hour for Cauli and Cabbage pickers?......Nurses have been offered a 2% rise, we might see a change of career at that rate!