THE Scottish Government has called for UK ministers to hold an “immediate discussion” on worker shortages as long queues formed at petrol stations yesterday.
Scottish External Affairs Secretary Angus Robertson has written to Home Secretary Priti Patel demanding urgent action on post-Brexit immigration rules.
Drivers across the UK have faced lengthy queues at petrol stations, after a shortage of HGV drivers forced some fuel retailers to shut their pumps and ration sales.
Motorists ignored pleas from UK ministers for calm, with AA president Edmund King saying shortage issues had been exacerbated by “people going out and filling up when they really don’t need to”.
Some fuel stations in Scotland introduced a £30 per vehicle limit on filling up in light of “unprecedented demand”.
READ MORE: 'Utterly humiliating': Nicola Sturgeon slams Boris Johnson after Brexit U-turn
It comes after growing concern about the impact the lack of HGV drivers is having on supermarket supplies, with fears Christmas shopping could be hindered without action.
Downing Street is expected to announce a temporary lift on visa restrictions for foreign drivers today as a “short-term solution” to ease pressure on deliveries in the run-up to Christmas.
Up to 5000 temporary visas are to be granted for HGV drivers while a similar number would be approved for food processing workers, especially in the poultry industry.
The Confederation of British Industry said there was “huge relief” at the plan, but that they had been calling for such action for three months.
Director general Tony Danker said: “We could see this problem coming and more problems coming, and so it’s a shame the Government needed queues at the pumps to move, but move I hope they have and it will help.”
SNP immigration spokeswoman Anne McLaughlin MP (above) described it as a “humiliating Brexit U-turn” for Boris Johnson.
She said: “Road haulage experts have repeatedly said we are 100,000 HGV drivers short, yet the Tories think 5000 temporary visa will sort the problem. It won’t.
“And it does absolutely nothing to address the multiple labour shortages causing serious damage to other sectors like Scotland’s vital food and drinks industry.
“The Prime Minister and senior Tory ministers were repeatedly warned about the damaging consequences of their extreme Brexit plans, including the threat of staff shortages, but they recklessly ploughed ahead anyway.
“And once again, ordinary people the length and breadth of Britain are paying the price.”
In his letter, Robertson told the Home Secretary that the UK Government “needs to urgently address the immigration challenges”.
He said: “The current immigration system is not meeting the needs of Scotland. At the moment it is not meeting the needs of sectors across the UK.”
Adding that “this position is not sustainable”, he urged Patel to work with the Scottish Government to “urgently develop and implement change”.
Robertson wants Westminster to immediately introduce a 24-month temporary workers visa and a review of the shortage occupation list, with Scottish ministers given a formal role in determining what categories of workers are on this.
He also wants changes made to the immigration fee structure, saying the “excessive” costs involved – of up to £1220 – were a barrier for both workers and employers.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel