IT’S HAPPENING. Spring has officially sprung, the clocks have gone forward, and if you’ve already powered through your emergency stash of Mini Eggs – we’re not judging. It’s the perfect time to shake off the winter chill and gear up for the months ahead. And with Q2 already well underway, now’s the time to shift focus and plan for what’s next.
So, whether you're counting down to the next bank holiday weekend, or just counting how many tachographs you’ve still got to log, we’ve got the latest from the employment and driving sectors to keep you in the loop. Grab a brew, take five, and let’s dive in.
Employment
Universal is bringing the magic to the UK with its first European theme park, set to open near Bedford in 2031. The project will create 28,000 jobs across construction, hospitality, and the creative industries, with 80% of roles expected to go to local workers. Alongside the rides and attractions, the site will include a 500-room hotel and retail complex. With planning set to be submitted soon and construction kicking off next year, this is set to be a game-changer for the region - and a huge lift for the UK job market. Find out more about the theme park here.
Driving
From 21 April 2025, HGV drivers heading abroad will need to follow updated AETR rules. That means carrying 56 days of driving records (up from 28), and saying goodbye to some familiar UK/EU exceptions - including flexibility around weekly rest or delays. HGV operators must retrofit a smart tachograph 2 by 18 August 2025 if their vehicle currently has the earlier version (or by July 2026 for lighter HGVs).None of this applies to UK only drivers, but international operators should start preparing now. Take a look further here.
The RHA has welcomed the £30m investment to reopen Doncaster Sheffield Airport, calling it a major opportunity for regional growth. The South Yorkshire Mayor says the project will create new jobs and unlock economic potential - and the RHA’s keen to make sure the haulage and logistics sector is right at the heart of it. With freight and infrastructure playing a key role in the redevelopment, they’ve also issued a reminder: the industry needs 40,000 new lorry drivers every year for the next five years to meet demand and keep big projects like this on track. Learn more here.
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