A firm desperately searching for HGV drivers in the Southend area is offering a £1,500 bonus to anyone who signs up.

Veolia, which is in charge of waste and recycling collections in the borough, says it is also being hit by a shortage of HGV drivers which has led to a shortage of supplies across the country.

It has blamed the shortage on a number of issues such as Brexit, coronavirus and a testing backlog.

Bosses are actively looking for people to fill HGV driver roles in Southend and are offering the £1,500 signing bonus to anyone who successfully applies.

They are looking for qualified drivers or anyone interested in qualifying to be a HGV driver.

The role will see new drivers work in a small team with early starts and finishes that can more easily be fitted around school runs or other family responsibilities.

Veolia is reporting an average of 15% vacancy rates for driving roles and says it is proving “very challenging” to fill the gap.

Beth Whittaker, Chief Human Resources Officer, Veolia UK & Ireland, said: “We hope the incentive will encourage drivers to consider working with us. People that I speak to in our business are passionate about what they do because our roles are different. Our teams are doing something that matters to communities and delivering a service that makes a real difference for the environment every day. We can offer part time positions if wanted and a really good lifestyle – no overnights, no long-haul or overseas, so ideal for family time.”

Other benefits of joining Veolia as an HGV driver include a company pension scheme, “generous” annual leave, sick leave entitlement and access to a range of retail discounts and wellness benefits.