Fruit and veg gaps

Wrt lorry drivers, I remember when I was growing up (I'm in my 40s) my friend's Dad was a lorry driver and they were really quite comfortable compared to a lot of friend group. He got paid quite a lot of money bceause he used to work abroad etc. I wonder at what point haulage companies stopped paying so well?
I wondered that too.

We have a friend who gave up his job as transport manager for a largish company and became an HGV driver - less stress and much better pay, he said. That was many years ago.

It's not regional:

inews.co.uk/news/hgv-driver-shortage-food-fresh-produce-rot-price-rises-crisis-brexit-1047059

Some GNers are obviously very lucky.

I have noticed gaps for a couple of weeks now. I wondered if the better weather had prompted a rush on salads or if Brexit was causing problems for overseas produce. Countryfile interviewed a grower in Lincolnshire a few weeks ago. All his Eastern European pickers have gone home and despite advertising for more, the response was poor and from those who did turn up to give it a go, only a handful have stuck it out. He was worried a lot of his produce would rot in the ground. Maybe the gaps are a combination of them all.

I can understand that the current very high temperatures might cause fruit and veg to rot. Yesterday I had to cook 3 Aubergines and freeze the results as they were starting to go soft. I had no space in the fridge and they usually keep well outside.

Strawberries & peaches/nectarines is another favourite here, Witzend especially when it’s those ripen at home ones that never do. Sometimes I add a few drops of rose essence - the smell& taste is divine.