Only 127 fuel drivers apply for UK visa - PM

Only 127 fuel drivers from the European Union have applied for temporary visas aimed at tackling shortages, the Prime Minister has said.

Boris Johnson said the haulage industry had "only produced 127 names so far" in response to the government's scheme, which is aiming for 300 drivers.

Mr Johnson said it was a "fascinating illustration of the problem", which he added was a "global" issue.

However, he said the was a "particular problem in the UK".

Speaking on BBC Breakfast the prime minister said working in road haulage "should be a great job", but added that there had been an underinvestment in facilities and pay conditions.

He dismissed the problem was anything to do with Brexit, and noted the "supply chain problem is linked to recovery" and said other parts of the world were also affected.

"Imagine the UK has been in deep freeze and the pipes are unfreezing right now - stresses and strain of the economy waking up," he said.

Trade bodies have estimated the UK currently has a shortage of about 90,000 HGV drivers, which has been caused by several factors, including the coronavirus pandemic, Brexit and an ageing workforce.

The shortages have started to effect supply chains in recent months, with some supermarkets struggling to stock certain products and petrol stations being unable to stock enough fuel to meet demand.

Under the government's bespoke scheme, foreign drivers who successfully apply for visas will be able to work in the UK from now until the end of March.

Additionally, some 4,700 visas intended for foreign food haulage drivers will be extended by two months, lasting from late October to the end of February.

Mr Johnson said the UK economy could not "go back to the failed model where you mainline low-wage, low-skilled labour".

"It's time for investing in people and skills. This is a big turning o for UK economy."