Immigration proposal bad for haulage, says RHA

Speaking on the proposal from Cabinet which suggested imposing updated immigration laws for EU nationals, the RHA felt this change would have a very negative impact for the haulage industry. The Migration Advisory Committee suggested the UK adopt a skills-based system, but this could possibly fail to meet the requirements of UK firms after the UK leaves the EU.

According to Richard Burnett, the RHA chief Executive, this will be another area of the sector the government has failed to address in regards to planning for Brexit.

Speaking on the matter he stated: “Government inertia is already choking this industry’s efforts to attract new talent.

“The trailblazer apprenticeship scheme is mired in red tape and underfunded, and the sector has only had access to £10m of the £130m it has paid into the Apprenticeship Levy. The driver shortage is getting worse, yet the Government proposes to adopt a system that will make it even harder to recruit the people we need to keep the economy moving.”

He also said the increasing shortage has raised concerns for the supply chain. With many suppliers using commercial vans instead.

“This is bad news,” explained Mr Burnett. “It means drivers are moving goods over long distances but aren’t subject to drivers’ hours rules that keep them and other road users safe.”

He called on Government officials to figure out a method which would support and benefit businesses in regards to migration in the country. Another concern raised was regarding funding in the sector, which with less migration would receive a significant cut in funding which could also have a negative impact on recruitment and training across the industry.
 

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