Hundreds of filling stations have run dry, causing chaotic scenes as drivers panic-buy and attempt to stockpile fuel. The government is blaming a lack of truck drivers, and unprecedented demand driven by scare-mongering. Critics point to the fact that many foreign truck drivers left the country because of Brexit.
Fancy a UK visa? Maybe you should quickly become a truck driver. But bear in mind: You might be thrown out again at Christmas.
The UK government plans to issue temporary visas to 5,000 foreign truck drivers. The move comes after gasoline shortfalls and empty supermarket shelves.
The UK lacks about 100,000 truck drivers. They are needed to deliver everything from gasoline to groceries. The shortfall has caused panic buying.
Many blame the pandemic and above all, Brexit. But while many countries in Europe face driver shortages, some experts say unless companies in Britain offer significantly higher wages, it remains unclear how many workers will take advantage of the short-term visas.
