Almost 3000 lorry drivers are planning to go on strike next month according to sources reported by The Observer, potentially disrupting the UK retail supply chain.

The lorry drivers are reportedly planning a “stay at home” order on August 23, on allegations of poor pay and working conditions.

The Road Haulage Association (RHA), an industry body with over 7,000 members, has claimed the strike will exacerbate existing retail supply chain issues and make a “bad situation worse”.

The news comes after the government extended the legal limit for HGV drivers’ hours earlier this month to address the current driver shortage.

The temporary extension, introduced in response to “pressures on local and national supply chains” will apply from 12 July until 8 August.

The government has also announced plans to ease driver qualification requirements , increase the amount of official park spaces, and improve the quality of lorry parks to encourage more lorry drivers to stay in the sector.

In June, Tesco bosses told undersecretary for transport, Lady Vere, that the driver vacancies were creating 48 tonnes – two truckloads – of food waste every week.

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