What’s the issue?
It has been widely reported in the media that the UK is currently facing a myriad of logistic issues, due to the impacts of both Brexit and the Covid-19 pandemic.
The UK driver shortages are at the centre of supply chain issues. The transport industry has in recent years been heavily reliant upon EU workers, many of whom have taken the decision to return to their home countries due to the pandemic and Brexit immigration rules coming into force. Changes made by the Government to self-employed drivers in the form of IR35 have also negatively impacted the number of drivers available.
Additionally, the Covid-19 pandemic has limited the possibility for HGV driver training and has therefore limited the number of new drivers entering the profession. This is causing significant disruption to all operations and even empty supermarket shelves.
Our response
In partnership with our third-party logistic providers, we have been taking actions to minimise the disruption to our customers. Unfortunately, we now deem the situation to be significant enough to inform you that whilst every effort will be made to deliver your goods on time, the service level is likely to be different to the one you have been accustomed to.
We have accepted increases in transport rates to ensure that drivers are retained and recruited where possible, and we will seek to broaden our net of logistic providers to ensure that we have as many options as possible. Lead times are however likely to be extended during this period and we request that you bear this in mind, allowing us as much notice as possible of your upcoming requirements.
Updates
We will keep you informed on any delays directly affecting your orders as we navigate our way through the coming months.
Thank you for your continued business and understanding through this difficult period.
