Every fortnight Kevin writes a "Kev's Column" for the Herald Express and you can read the latest edition (Published on Wednesday 29th September 2021) below:
Trucking
It is welcome to hear a new driver academy is being created by Torbay Council so it can train new recruits for driving recycling and waste collection lorries.
Yet it is a good example of why there is a shortage of truck drivers, employers not previously investing in training, instead relying on prospective employees spending large amounts getting licences themselves or hoping to recruit more cheaply overseas. This combined with poor wages and terms and conditions relative to other roles, which don’t require expensive training or being away from home, plus a lack of facilities, especially for overnight stops, explain why many have left the sector. It is estimated up to 300,000 UK HGV licence holders are not working as truck drivers, with 99% of working truck drivers being men. With half the workforce, namely women, effectively excluded it is no surprise there are difficulties recruiting.
Despite the impression created at times, the UK is not alone in having a truck driver shortage as it is estimated the EU has 17% less drivers than it needs, with Poland alone having approximately 123,000 truck driving vacancies, and reported shortages in the USA have prompted some US firms to try and recruit drivers in Africa. The issues prompting these shortages being similar to the ones cited here by those who have left the sector.
If the core issues which are driving shortages of truck drivers across the developed world are not addressed, the situation will only get worse.
Fuels?
There is not a shortage of fuel in the UK, only a lack of common sense in terms of those panic buying large amounts last week, with drivers buying nearly twice the normal amount. I suspect some of those filling cans with petrol last week, are still using up the loo roll they stockpiled during the last panic buying spree fuelled by a small number of media reports.
HIV
It is good to hear England is on target to eliminate HIV transmission by 2030, according to a new study.
The research, done by experts from Cambridge University and Public Health England, shows England is also on track to have diagnosed 95% of those with HIV by 2025.
It seems a long way from back in the 1980s when this condition first emerged. It could not be treated and those diagnosed with it were only likely to live for a short period afterwards. Yet over recent years new treatments mean life expectancy is now similar to those without the condition.
As we continue to battle Covid, it is worth taking inspiration from the way medicine and society is now winning the fight against HIV.
Surgery Times
My next surgeries are on Saturday 2nd October, 11am till 1pm at Paignton Library and Information Centre, TQ4 5AG and Saturday 16th October, 11am till 1pm at Preston Baptist Church, Old Torquay Rd, Paignton, TQ3 2RB. Sadly, my surgeries must remain appointment only at this stage given the prevailing public health guidance.
For an appointment you can either email me at [email protected] or leave a message on 01803 214989. You can also drop into my office at 5-7 East St, Torquay, TQ2 5SD between 10am & 1pm Monday to Friday, please note you may have to wait outside if others attend at the same time
