Carmarthenshire MP, Jonathan Edwards, has called on the British Government to urgently act to address the shortage of HGV drivers, which he says is posing problems for logistical and construction companies in Carmarthenshire.

Mr Edwards said he was perplexed why the British Government had refused after his call to place HGV on the shortage occupational list. With an estimated 70,000 shortage of HGV drivers, shortage occupational list status would enable employers to recruit internationally.

Mr Edwards said: "Immigration policy post Brexit is a complete shambles. In ending freedom of movement of labour from Europe, the British Government have created huge skill shortages for businesses which are proving crippling.

"The remedial structures put in place to enable skill shortages to be filled by international recruitment are not being utilised properly.

"I have been contacted by several businesses in Carmarthenshire voicing concerns about shortages in key jobs such as HGV drivers and food processing.

"Wales is at the mercy of a clueless Westminster. In my contribution in the House of Commons I called for the Welsh Government to be able to input directly into the Shortage Occupational List so that Welsh companies can have the Labour they need to support their businesses."