LONDON, (Reuters) – Although Britain is still experiencing a severe shortage of heavy-duty vehicle (HGV), drivers, the industry group Monday said that the pace at which people leave the sector has been slowing down.

Logistics UK represents haulage and freight businesses and estimates that there are around 120,000 drivers in the country. This shortage has disrupted supply chains, and created gaps on shelves.

It is the result of the thousands who returned home to the European Union following Brexit and cancellation of truck driver testing during COVID-19 lockdowns.

Logistics UK reported that the HGV driver population fell by 44,000 between the first and third quarters of 2021, a decrease of 14% compared to the beginning of the pandemic.

However, this is an improvement from the 23.4% drop in 72,000 during the second quarter.

“It’s still acute but we are starting to see the little green shoots we didn’t see before,” stated Elizabeth de Jong Director of Policy.

Initial signs of improvement include three-times more applications for provisional licensures than before the Pandemic, and a 25% increase in HGV drivers testing between 2019 and 2019.

As well as promises of investing in driver infrastructure, pay increases up to 29% could be a boon.

The government is also investing in “Skills Bootcamps” to train up to 5,000 people, while apprenticeships have been introduced to attract younger drivers.

Following a severe fuel shortage, the government released 4,700 temporary visas in October for foreign drivers to supply food supplies and 300 for fuel supplies.

De Jong stated that the government had not informed Logistics UK about how many visas were issued. According to the report by industry groups, there is more work needed.

“Without further progress on training, visas rules and HGV facilities…shortages will exacerbate existing disruption to supply chains, further embed inflation above the Bank of England’s 2% target and hamper the UK’s development as a modern, digital economy,” it said.

According to the report, consumers might notice a reduction in ranges from online retailers this Christmas and longer delivery times.