Eastern European drivers have helped cause pay rates to fall and have created logistical problems with their eligibility to drive, according to a leading recruiter in the industry.

Mike Cooper, director of The Best Connection Group, believes the influx of workers from the new EU countries came at a time when drivers were in high demand.

Their arrival in the UK has since made it easier for clients to shop around to find a cheaper staff rate.

Cooper also said the standard of drivers from the new member states varies immensely, and that there have been difficulties with the status of their driving licences.

He claims his company only has “one or two” Eastern European drivers, backed up by references.

Cooper said it was hard to determine from some of the drivers' licences whether they would be eligible to drive in the UK.

“We have had a lot of offers from Eastern European drivers, but we now take the view that we would rather stay with the people we know,” he said.

However, Keith Churchhouse, executive director at driver recruitment specialist ADR Network, has welcomed the influx from the old Eastern Bloc.

Indeed, the company has set up an EU driver relocation division to help staff settle in. “We have brought in staff from the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary and Poland,” he said. “In the short-term, they have had a positive impact on the industry.”