What are truck drivers talking about in the UK and Ireland?

Truck drivers in the UK and Ireland are discussing various topics, including employment permits, job opportunities, and licensing requirements. Some key points of interest are:

Updated for 2024

Employment Permits for HGV Drivers in Ireland: HGV truck drivers can obtain employment permits in the Irish haulage sector, and the Irish Department of Transport has signed license exchange agreements with South Africa, Australia, Japan, and South Korea[1]. However, only 60 non-EEA truckers have applied for Irish work permits since the quota was lifted in October[4].
Job Opportunities: There are various job opportunities for truck drivers in Ireland, with 43 truck driver jobs listed on LinkedIn[2] and 2023 truck driver job listings on Indeed[3]. Additionally, 8 HGV driver job listings are available on Indeed.ie[5].
Licensing Requirements: To drive HGVs in Ireland, foreign drivers need to pass an exam for an Irish CE or C1E license[1]. The Road Safety Authority validates foreign licenses[1].
International Driver Shortage: The international driver shortage is one of the reasons behind the low number of applications for Irish work permits[4]. The Department of Transport has been working to address this issue, but the time it takes to approve drivers is also a factor[4].

Overall, truck drivers in the UK and Ireland are discussing topics such as employment permits, job opportunities, and licensing requirements, with a focus on addressing the international driver shortage and promoting cross-border cooperation.

The industry needs a longer-term solution to the recruitment of drivers, such as increasing driver training capacity, improving working conditions for drivers, and making it easier for foreign drivers to work in the UK and Ireland1 2 5 7. The shortage of drivers is also leading to delays, increased costs, and disruptions across supply chains, making it difficult for haulers to grow and stay competitive7 9.

Citations:
[1] https://ie.iasservices.org.uk/employment-visa/employment-permits-for-hgv-drivers/
[2] https://ie.linkedin.com/jobs/truck-driver-jobs
[3] https://uk.indeed.com/q-truck-driver-l-northern-ireland-jobs.html
[4] https://trans.info/en/irish-work-permit-271284
[5] https://ie.indeed.com/q-hgv-driver-ireland-to-uk-jobs.html

Addressing the truck driver shortage in the UK and Ireland is crucial for the economic well-being of both countries and requires a comprehensive and long-term solution.

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