Supermarkets could have empty shelves this Christmas, influential MPs warn

The House of Commons transport committee has said the government is "sleeping" in another lorry crisis unless urgent action is taken.

She bought a bottle of Prosecco and a cucumber (stock photo) (

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Supermarkets could have empty shelves this Christmas and petrol stations run out of fuel as ministers 'doze' in another lorry crisis, MPs have warned.

The House of Commons Transport Committee says there won't be enough HGV drivers on the road to keep goods moving unless urgent action is taken.

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With Christmas just weeks away, he said ministers were 'unlikely' to prevent a repeat of previous disruptions when shops struggled to get essentials and petrol pumps at garages have dried up.

Conservative Chairman Huw Merriman said: 'Without a new approach, the government risks descending into another supply chain crisis.

"We have seen an industry struggling with recruitment and retention issues. Drivers are retiring and not enough is being done to recruit a younger, more diverse workforce.

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Tory MP and Chairman of the Commons Transport Committee Huw Merriman (

Picture:

Jack Taylor)

“Only a radical overhaul… will see more people consider truck driving a good career.”

The transport committee is calling for better training, facilities and vehicle safety to encourage staff to stay in their jobs.

“All [are] essential to valuing drivers in a job market where drivers can earn good wages elsewhere,” Mr. Merriman said.

Ministers have yet to agree to MPs' proposal to impose a new tax on big businesses if they fail to build better rest areas for drivers, which include clean toilets and showers, food options, including healthy choices, and sufficient supply for female drivers. The committee also wants planning regulations to be relaxed so that more truck parking lots can be built.

"It's time to make those who make the biggest profits foot the bill," Merriman added. “Failure to invest in their own supply chain should result in a financial levy.

“These companies, from oil producers to retail and online giants, make billions in profits but fail to invest in improvements for drivers who...