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Written question asked by Virginia Crosbie (Conservative) on Thursday, 14 April 2022, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 21 April 2022 (named day). It was answered by Kevin Foster (Conservative) on Thursday, 21 April 2022 on behalf of the Home Office.

Large Goods Vehicle Drivers

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of adding HGV drivers to the shortage occupation list.

Answer

As my previous answer from 26 November 2021 set out, Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) drivers are not an eligible occupation under the Skilled Worker route as they do not meet the required skill level and therefore cannot be placed on the Shortage Occupation List (SOL). Being on the SOL does not exempt an occupation from the requirements, such as the skills threshold, of the Skilled Worker route. The Government intends to commission the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) to undertake another review of the SOL this year, during which time, the logistics sector will be able to provide evidence for consideration by the MAC.

The Department for Transport are leading measures to address shortages, including ramping up testing capacity, alongside encouraging employers to tackle longstanding issues in the sector through more investment in skills and training, along with better pay and working conditions (including facilities). These measures are a more effective solution to issues facing the sector, rather than immigration, especially given the current global shortage of drivers.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
154523
Session
2021-22
Subjects
Large goods vehicle drivers Migrant workers Vacancies
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk