Jim McMahon MP, Labour’s Shadow Transport Secretary, responding to the survey from the Road Haulage Association, said:

“Our lorry drivers are essential workers who are keeping the supermarket shelves stocked and delivering other vital supplies. Much of this is imported but there are fewer goods going in the opposite direction, putting a big strain on the viability of road hauliers. We have to keep this essential industry going to maintain our food supply and viable for us to restart international trade when we eventually emerge from the crisis.

“There are real concerns that the furlough scheme needs to have greater flexibility in sectors like road transport. The government should listen to industry and the trade unions and give them the support that employers and workers need to survive the crisis.”