Michael Bell, Executive Director said the present difficulties should act as a ‘wake up call’ for Ministers, and called on the Executive to address the issue urgently.

“Across the UK, the food and drink sector is experiencing serious difficulty in accessing labour, with Brexit and Covid-19 creating a perfect storm across the supply chain leaving many farmers, food processors and supermarkets struggling to meet demand,” Michael said.

“Figures released this week by Grant Thornton on behalf of the industry reveal that UK food and drink companies have an average vacancy rate of 13%. To put that figure into perspective, that means there are potentially more than 500,000 vacancies in the industry across the United Kingdom.

“The problem is particularly acute in Northern Ireland, where some firms are operating at between 75-90% of normal staffing levels. Additionally, a shortage of HGV drivers is causing serious issues across the food supply chain, from the farm to supermarket shelves.

“Food and drink is one of Northern Ireland’s most important sectors. It is the largest manufacturing industry in Northern Ireland, supporting some 113,000 jobs. A strong food and drink industry will be key to driving Northern Ireland’s post-Brexit economic growth.

“These difficulties should act as a wake up call for government. The current situation is unsustainable, and if it deteriorates we are looking at higher food prices, choice for consumers significantly curtailed and ultimately Northern Ireland’s recovery from the pandemic stalled. We will continue to engage heavily with politicians locally and nationally to address this issue and deliver workable solutions.”

The post Price hikes likely due to labour shortages in Northern Ireland, warns NIFDA first appeared on Neighbourhood Retailer.

“If it wasn’t for the local suppliers who have been fantastic, I don’t know what we would have done” one independent retailer told NR. “Northern Ireland suppliers have really stepped up to the mark, and shown us their strength and their worth.”

Another retailer said “It’s just been one thing after another. Every day there’s a different challenge – and we just have to deal with it – these things are out of our control.

Troops on standby

The temporary relaxation of drivers’ hours that was due to end has been extended to October. Bringing the army in to manage the driver crisis has even been proffered as an option.

It was recently reported that in GB, the Army has been put on standby to deliver supplies due to a shortage of 100,000 truck drivers.

Around 2,000 army personnel who are qualified HGV drivers are believed to be on a five-day notice to help distribute food and essentials including medicine.

The Westminster Government is set to make a formal plea to the military for help ‘imminently’, with members of the Royal Logistics Corps and other regiments expected to be called upon by the end of September.

The crisis is thought to have been exacerbated by the so-called ‘pingdemic’ which has forced thousands of drivers to go into self-isolation.

Driver shortages

However the severe driver shortage pre-dates the pandemic.

Prior to the pandemic, Logistics UK estimated the industry was facing a shortage of 76,000 HGV drivers. However, as a result of Covid-19 – and the subsequent suspension of HGV driving tests – and European logistics workers returning to their home countries as a direct consequence of Brexit, these factors have combined to cause supply chaos.

Factor into this drivers taking their summer breaks. Logistics and haulier organisations said August would be a pinch point, while firms offering bonuses and sign-on fees to recruit drivers were not helping matters. Unite the union accused the government of ‘dragging its feet’ and not showing HGV drivers due respect.

Social media

Images of empty shelves in the crisps aisles in Co-op were circulating on social media. Others claiming they had also seen gaps in Sainsbury’s and some items difficult to get in Tesco.

Local Suppliers

In Northern Ireland, there has been praise for local suppliers who have been doing everything in their power to ensure local independents are well stocked.

Food Fore Ireland’s Debra Johnston said “The resilience of the local supply base has been amazing at the moment. They are keeping stores well stocked. It’s all about building relationships with local suppliers and retailers and the driver relationship is so important – they are the key.

“We know that some distributors have been hit hard by the driver crisis – but we’re also hearing of drivers going out of their way to make deliveries – taking on new routes and doing extra days to make sure deliveries get done.”

The post ‘One thing after another’ – Retailers frustrated by supply chain issues first appeared on Neighbourhood Retailer.

The HGV Driver Academy Programme opens for applications from 5-23 July and aims to support economic recovery and provide viable job prospects for men and women who are unemployed, under-employed or at risk of redundancy.

Through the pilot pre-employment HGV Driver Academy, participants will undertake training to gain an HGV Category C (Class 2) licence and receive employability support. Mid and East Antrim Borough Council is also working with local transport employers to ensure that participants are offered an interview for an appropriate role when they have completed the Academy training.

Councillor Timothy Gaston, Chair of Council’s Borough Growth Committee, encouraged local employers and those interested in a career in the transport and logistics industry to get in touch.

“Transport and haulage workers have been critical in ensuring we all have access to essential food and medicines during the height of the pandemic, and will continue to play a key part in our wider economic recovery from the crisis.

“The HGV Driver Academy Programme is a great opportunity for those interested in getting on the road to a career in the industry and for local employers to address skills shortages and invest in their future plans for growth.”

Paul Boyle, General Manager of Workforce Training Services, delivery partner, said “Workforce Training Services is delighted to be in partnership with Mid and East Antrim Council to deliver the HGV Drivers’ Employment Academy. This exciting opportunity will present citizens a unique opportunity to gain qualifications and skills and enter into sustainable employment.”

To be considered for a place, please email your name and contact number to info@workforceonline.org by 23 July and include ‘MEABC HGV Academy’ in the subject line.

Employers who anticipate recruiting Category C (Class 2) and/or Category C+E (Class 1) drivers this year to address these recruitment needs should contact sean.keenan@midandeastantrim.gov.uk

The post Drive your career at HGV Academy – Shortage of Drivers is impacting suppliers first appeared on Neighbourhood Retailer.