North East England Chamber of Commerce’s calls for more flexibility and action to tackle acute staff shortages since Brexit have gone unheeded by Government.
In response to the Chamber’s letter setting out proposals to tackle the substantial difficulties facing the region’s businesses the reply said ‘While the Government recognises some businesses will need to adjust, investment and development of the UK’s domestic labour force should take priority, rather than seeing migrant labour as the solution to recruitment difficulties.’
Businesses across the NE and the UK are currently struggling to fill vacancies as a result of the UK’s exit from the European Union reducing the talent pool available to businesses and the impacts of the pandemic.
This is happening across sectors, from hospitality and leisure, to road haulage to food processing.
Niamh Corcoran, policy adviser, North East England Chamber of Commerce said: “We are very disappointed that Government has refused to consider our constructive suggestions such as creating a temporary route for unskilled roles critically needed to meet economic or social priorities such as care workers or lorry drivers. Businesses urgently need changes so they can recover from covid-19, meet consumer need and expand and grow.”
The Chamber’s view is that a shortage of HGV drivers is already negatively impacting businesses in the North East. One Chamber member, within the Food & Drink sector, has been forced to reject six orders because they cannot guarantee the goods can be transported on time.
The inability to rely on goods being moved when required is making it increasingly difficult for businesses to trade internationally. This is in addition to challenges presented by the UK’s exit from the European Union and a global logistics crisis, with prices for shipping containers, for example, skyrocketing.
Niamh Corcoran said: “The crisis will only deepen as we approach Christmas and demand for fully stocked shelves, bookings for Christmas parties in bars/cafes grow and the social care impacts of Covid begin to emerge.
“We will continue to push Government to tackle this urgent issue.”