The Briefing Room

Original version

BBC Radio 4 FM

BBC Radio 4 is a radio channel that started transmitting on the 30th September 1967. It replaced BBC Home Service.

BBC Radio 4

Radio 4

Radio 4 (FM)

Factual

David Aaronovitch presents in-depth explainers on big issues in the news.

David Aaronovitch and a panel of experts and insiders present in-depth explainers on big issues in the news.

David Aaronovitch and a panel of experts and insiders present in-depth explainers on big issues in the news

BBC Radio 4 LW

The Briefing Room: Where Are All the Workers?

Where Are All the Workers?

BBC Radio 4 - The Briefing Room, Where Are All the Workers?

As the economy opens up again, is the UK short of workers?

The UK is short of butchers, bricklayers, welders, fruit pickers, truck drivers, carers and others. Is this all due to the pandemic and Brexit, or is something more going on?

A supermarket chain is offering £1000 welcoming handshakes to new truck drivers - just one indication of the shortages in the haulage industry. 

The Road Haulage Association says that there is now a shortfall of 100,000 lorry drivers across the UK and other sectors of the economy are also finding it difficult to find workers, including in hospitality, construction and IT. 

The pandemic has shaken things up and Brexit has seen thousands of EU workers returning home - but is this a short-term problem or are there deeper structural changes happening?

Joining David Aaronovitch in the Briefing Room:

Dougie Rankine, editor of Truck and Driver magazine. 

Katherine Price, news editor of The Caterer.

Tony Hill, Director of the Institute for Employment Studies.

Yael Selfin, Chief Economist, KMPG UK.

Torsten Bell, Chief Executive at the Resolution Foundation.

Jane Gratton, Head of People Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce.

Producers: John Murphy, Sally Abrahams and Kirsteen Knight.
Sound Engineer: Graham Puddifoot
Editor: Jasper Corbett

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

The Briefing Room

Where Are All the Workers?

Genres

Brand

BBC Radio 4 FM

About BBC Radio 4