Long-term plan needed to tackle labour and supply issues - Chamber

A full economic recovery could be some way off unless the government delivers a long-term play to tackle supply shortages such as the current fuel crisis, business leader said today.

The government is due to suspend competition law to allow oil firms to target fuel deliveries at petrol stations in a bid to alleviate the panic buying of the past week.

Temporary visas are also being introduced to address the shortage of HGV drivers.

It follows days of long queues at the pumps, after fears of disruption to the fuel supply sparked panic buying.

According to reports, ministers are also considering deploying the Army to deliver fuel.

However, Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce say the government must come up with longer-term measures.

Raj Kandola (pictured), head of policy at the Chamber, said: “The short-term measures introduced over the weekend will hopefully offer some temporary reprieve to the issues that have been building for months.

“The fallout from the pandemic, changes to payroll tax and the added border bureaucracy we 're seeing as a result of Brexit have all played in a part in creating the current scenario.

“Data from our latest Quarterly Business Report reiterates the labour and supply shortages many businesses across the region are facing and the knock-on impact this is creating on prices.

“Whilst the changes to tax law and the relaxation of visa requirements will hopefully add capacity in the run up to Christmas, we would urge the Government to formulate a clear plan which sets out how they intend to overcome longer term labour shortages otherwise the prospect of a full economic recovery will remain some way off. ”

Click here to read the latest Quarterly Business Report.

The GBCC is on hand to provide businesses with Brexit related support and services - click here for more information.