Rubbish!

A knock-on effect was highly predictable, especially if you worship at the alter of 'market forces'. In 2020, almost 20,000 Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) drivers left the UK to return to EU countries. The average age of remaining British-based HGV drivers is now 56. This seems to indicate that some have opted for early retirement. These two factors have resulted in a shortage of HGV drivers, leading to difficulties transporting items to supermarkets and elsewhere in the country. Pre-Brexit and the Covid pandemic, the average annual salary for an HGV driver was around £35,000. Now, drivers can be offered almost £57,000 per year, with a £500 signing on bonus. Predictably, this has led to an exodus of Waste and Recycling drivers ('bin men') from local councils (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/sep/21/maggots-and-mayhem-a-day-on-a-bin-round-in-broken-brexit-britain). By leaving to become HGV drivers, bin men can earn almost £30,000 a year more. Their new working conditions are also often much more pleasant. Eighteen UK councils have recently had to delay rubbish and recycling collections due to a driver shortage. The councils cannot pay more to retain their drivers. They get most of their money from the government. Rubbish and recycling pile up on the streets. Consequently, there are concerns about public health. At least the foxes are happy, banqueting every night.