Haribo at risk from driver shortage

German confectionery giant Haribo is among the many retailers and suppliers affected by the continued lorry driver shortage.

Haribo has said they are “experiencing challenges” that have affected all lines, including Goldbears and Tangfastics.

There is currently a shortfall of around 60,000 HGV drivers, which is speculated to be as a result of the coronavirus pandemic and Brexit.

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Prior to the pandemic, a large proportion of lorry drivers were nationals of EU countries, particularly Romania and Bulgaria.

Deputy chief executive of the Recruitment and Employment Confederation, Kate Shoesmith, said: “They have either sourced work in their home countries or they feel it’s not right to return to the UK, either because of Brexit or the pandemic,”

Additionally, the Road Haulage Association estimates that around 30,000 HGV driving tests did not take place last year due to the pandemic.

Owner at Wharfedale Premier, Samantha Coldbeck, said, “The government needs to step in and do something quickly about the amount of EU drivers that can’t drive.

“They need to give retailers and supermarkets some emergency assistance in resolving the situation.”

Samantha also expressed concern around the growing numbers of self-isolation alerts from the NHS test-and-trace service, and its potential effect on the driver shortage.

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A government representative said: “We’re working with the industry and have already taken action on HGV driver shortages, including ramping up vocational test capacity and funding apprenticeships.

“However, most of the solutions are likely to be driven by the industry, with progress already being made in testing and hiring, and a big push towards improving pay, working conditions and diversity.”