A number of members have highlighted the current issues around HGV driver shortages and we have two requests from Government below seeking further information on this topic. Firstly a survey on absences and then a call for evidence on the relaxation of hours. Please take time to complete these if this is an issue that affects you. We are happy to hear further feedback on this topic, please contact Jenny or your regular REA contact.

Survey on staff and HGV driver absences
Defra are aware of the industry concerns regarding staff and HGV driver absences. They are keen to gather quantitative data to provide clear evidence of the current experience and as such have drafted a short survey on staffing and HGV driver levels. Please take a few moments to answer the questions here by lunchtime on Friday 23rd July. The more data they can collect, the stronger the evidence base will be. The survey will be repeated on a fortnightly basis and kept under review.

Due to the sensitivity of this data this survey is completely anonymous and Defra will not be sharing the raw data outside of Defra. Any presentation or use of the data will only be across government and will be a summary chart of all responses (similar to those in our last waste sector survey).

Call for evidence – drivers’ hours temporary relaxation
Department for Transport are seeking your views on the Government’s plans to provide for further relaxations in respect of  drivers’ hours and rest periods for the period from 9 August 2021 to 3 October 2021.DfT is aware of that there is an acute shortage of Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) drivers impacting supply chains, compounded by increased demand as lockdown restrictions are eased. Further information is available here.

Please complete the survey here by 26th July.
Thank you for taking the time to provide this useful feedback.