Despite government assertions that Brexit had little if anything to do with the shortage of HGV drivers in the UK, they have announced ‘allowing’ 10,000 of the very people they sent home back, to dig deep and help fix a broken economy. How very magnanimous of them.
The announcement has yet to be made in person as the PM is doubtless also short of ministers ready to volunteer swallowing the Conservative Party’s solitary election policy in one gulp.
With the world watching and laughing at the UK’s total political humiliation, the cost is required to bring some sort of semblance of normality back to the UK economy.
Like most actions from this government, it’s too little too late, the supply chain is already severely damaged, a sticking plaster will not suffice.
It has also been done with no planning or preparation, only arrogant assumptions that ‘Johnny Foreigner’ will gratefully accept their invitation, on strict condition they will be sent straight back home again before Christmas, the point at which government has already deemed their usefulness expires.
The European Road Haulers Association (UETR) does not share the UK government’s optimism, and has already warned that HGV drivers in Europe will not return. The warnings stem from Marco Digioia, General Secretary of the UETR who represents more than 70 per cent of all haulage companies in Europe.
Digioia cites UK working conditions, pay, and the cost and difficulty of getting into the UK as fundamental barriers of entry. The drivers themselves speak of deep rooted negative feelings following years of hard work rewarded by literal removal from the UK.
The pay and condition barriers are significant especially as drivers in eastern European countries, as well as those in central and western Europe in many instances now earn more than their UK counterparts. Overcoming resentment from being excluded on the basis of pure prejudice, guilty of not being a UK national, will be far more difficult.
The restaurants, caterers, pubs, hotels, cafes and bars around the UK that are already experiencing delays in food and drink deliveries hopeful of a remedy soon, may well have to continue being all too ‘patient’ (servile) towards government, as things do not seem set to change anytime soon.
The restaurants, caterers, pubs, hotels, cafes and bars around the UK that are hoping that any easing of visas for HGV drivers may lead to the same ‘opportunity’ for hospitality may need to reflect on the emotions of HGV drivers, as well as pay and conditions, before they get too hopeful.
This government’s reckless and unplanned implementation of Brexit has damaged the economy far more than most current calculations demonstrate. And hospitality businesses, like road hauliers and many others will continue to be expected to pay the government’s Brexit tab.
News from the hospitality and catering industry is also being featured extensively in our Facebook and twitter social media accounts with the opportunity to engage with others in hospitality and share your views.
Hospitality & Catering News: Immigration policies climb down on HGV drivers points to similar tragedy for hospitality. – 26 September 2021 – Immigration policies climb down on HGV drivers points to similar tragedy for hospitality.
Copyright: All content in Hospitality & Catering News is protected by copyright
