Diolch, Dirprwy Lywydd, and I move the motion tabled in my name.

Dirprwy Lywydd, if Members cast their minds back to last autumn, they will remember the supply chain issues that were affecting our lives: certain shops running out of specific products, some petrol forecourts running dry, and emergency efforts by the Welsh and UK Governments to intervene and support our vital supply chains. The committee decided to hold an inquiry into these supply chain issues and have published a report, 'A New Direction for HGV Drivers: Addressing HGV drivers shortages and related supply chain issues'.

Now, during our inquiry we found the issues that lead to the supply chain breakdowns were numerous and complex. They included the pandemic, new trading arrangements following our exit from the EU, and even global events such as the ship, the Ever Given, blocking the Suez canal. However, a key reason for the disruption was a shortage of HGV drivers.

HGV drivers are the backbone of our logistics network and, as we saw last year, several issues came together to cause a shortage of drivers. The committee heard that, pre pandemic, there was a shortage of between 60,000 to 100,000 drivers in the UK. This historic shortfall was one of the key issues that had led to the acute driver shortage. However, Logistics UK made it clear that the combination of the end of EU membership and the end of the EU transition period, along with the COVID pandemic, transformed this shortage into an acute crisis. These issues were then compounded further when HGV driving tests were paused during the pandemic, causing a backlog and a 10-week wait for an examination.

And so the industry faced a perfect storm in 2020-21, when several issues coalesced at the same time. The committee decided to focus on those issues, as ensuring Wales has enough HGV drivers will be vital if we want to keep supply chains open and avoid similar breakdowns in the future. Our inquiry was short and focused. The committee took evidence from a number of organisations, including hauliers, business owners and trade unions. We also engaged directly with current and former HGV drivers, and I'd like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who gave evidence to the inquiry.

The feedback we received from the engagement with drivers was very powerful and enlightening. I won't repeat exactly what some of the participants said, for fear of being ejected from this Chamber. However, it's clear that there are several issues with the current experience of being a HGV driver. A lot of the themes that shone through from the drivers were echoed, though in more parliamentary language, by other stakeholders.

Now, the report makes 11 recommendations around improving the training and working conditions of HGV drivers. The committee looks to the Welsh Government's forthcoming logistics and freight plan as an opportunity to implement these. And I will briefly go over some of the recommendations shortly. The committee believes that if these recommendations are met, then this will improve the experience of being a HGV driver and create a more attractive career option for those currently in, and those thinking of entering, the profession, thus attracting new, and retaining existing drivers in the industry.

The committee recommends improving driver training and continuous professional development in order to bring new entrants into the industry and to help the career progression of those already driving. The Welsh Government must work with industry to build on existing apprenticeship programmes and increase access to new drivers.

One of the key areas of concern raised by drivers was the overall experience of driving a HGV. They talked about poor-quality rest stops with bad but expensive food, dirty facilities and often a lack of security. One of the most worrying pieces of evidence we heard was that drivers view assault and robbery as an occupational hazard, which is totally unacceptable. One driver told us that, and I quote,

'You can’t sleep properly when you're worried about being robbed. Every little noise wakes you up. Nobody wants to drive tired.'

Another driver told us, and I quote again:

'I’ve been robbed over 10 times. It’s a horrible thing to admit but you expect it. The last time they slashed three holes in the curtain big enough to drive a vehicle through, half my load was on the layby ready to be stolen. Even the police see it as an occupational hazard. As drivers we just accept it.'

Well, Dirprwy Lywydd, HGV drivers shouldn't have to just accept it. The Welsh Government must quickly work with their partners to improve rest facilities for drivers and ensure that those facilities are as safe as possible. This should include surveying existing provision, filling gaps where they exist and working to develop a voluntary standards system so that drivers can easily find out the quality and security level of a rest stop.

As mentioned earlier, the Welsh Government’s transport strategy, 'Llwybr Newydd', contains a commitment to create a new logistics and freight plan. Considering the pressing shortage of drivers, the committee feels that the new plan should be prioritised.

Now, I am pleased to say that the Welsh Government have accepted all the recommendations in our report. However, I am concerned that the most pressing recommendations, for example, the survey of rest stops and work to fill gaps in provision, will be implemented as part of the logistics and freight plan, which is only due to be completed by 2024. I urge the Government to prioritise these areas of the plan and, if possible, push these elements of work forwards before 2024. This is absolutely vital.

Last month, I received a letter from the organisation Displaced People in Action, who informed me that many of the Afghan people who arrived in Wales last year have experience driving large vehicles and would be interested in careers as HGV drivers. I have written to the relevant Ministers regarding this and I look forward to a response in due course. Whilst the situation with the arrivals of refugees from Ukraine is still developing, it may be pertinent for the Government to think about extending anything offered to arrivals from Afghanistan to people who arrive from Ukraine as well.

From keeping food on our shelves to delivering essential medical supplies, it is fair to say that HGV drivers were some of the unsung heroes of the pandemic. The implementation of this report's recommendations would improve driver experience and entry into the industry. Whilst the issues we experienced before Christmas have been largely resolved, supply chains are still creaking and we do live in turbulent times. It is not possible to predict if and when another shock will hit our global supply chains. This means that it is exceptionally important that we concentrate on shoring up parts of the system we have control over.