Driver shortage issue needs government support says Co-op CEO


Lorries are seen at an HGV parking, at Cobham services on the M25 motorway, Cobham, Britain, August 31, 2021. Picture taken August 31, 2021. REUTERS/Peter Cziborra/Files
Lorries are seen at an HGV parking, at Cobham services on the M25 motorway, Cobham, Britain, August 31, 2021. Picture taken August 31, 2021. REUTERS/Peter Cziborra/Files
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LONDON (Bywire News) - On Thursday, the CEO of supermarket group the Co-operative said that the government must intervene to help resolve Britain's truck driver crisis. 

The Chief Executive Steve Murrells said, "This won't be solved in isolation, this is a global issue where the supply chain has completely broken down," 

"You can't solve (a shortage of) 90,000 HGV drivers in isolation, it needs a structural change," he added.

When the announcement on Wednesday came that Michael Gove would be taking the lead on the government's response to the dire situation, Murrells welcomed it and encouraged HGV drivers to be included on the shortage occupation list, which would allow foreign workers to fill up the gap.

Under Boris Johnson's cabinet reshuffle, Gove who was formerly the cabinet officer minister is now the housing, communities and local government minister.

(Reporting by Kate Holton, editing by Klaudia Fior)

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