David Wells. Source: Logistics UK
Logistics UK has called on the newly-elected Labour government to “kickstart growth” by working with the country’s freight sector to deliver its promised industrial strategy.
The trade association said that logistics can boost productivity for all areas of the country and is key to driving economic growth.
Chief executive David Wells said: “Logistics underpins all sectors of the economy to deliver for households, businesses and public services, every day.
“[It] is a major sector in its own right, employing 8% of the UK workforce. As a result, logistics is ideally placed to help the new government to get the economy moving again, providing its needs can be accommodated in the new government’s industrial strategy.
“If our members are to help get the new government off to the best possible start and give the economy a vital boost, it is essential that the Labour administration supports the logistics sector to drive the growth the country so desperately needs.”
Logistics UK has published a list of logistics priorities for the Labour government to consider in its first 100 days in charge of the country.
This includes an industrial strategy that directly drives growth; innovative and integrated infrastructure to move goods in the most productive, strategic and green way; a fair transition to becoming a clean energy superpower; skills partnerships to support a thriving sector; trade growth; and safe and efficient road freight.
The association has also called for the appointment of a dedicated minister for logistics and supply chain to aid in decision making.
“Efficient, cost-effective logistics is critical to every single part of the UK’s economy and our sector is poised to work in partnership with the new government to establish the infrastructure, decarbonisation, skills, innovation and trade policies that will get the country building again,” said Wells.
“By involving our members in the development of the planned industrial strategy and the government’s missions, we are confident that logistics can deliver productivity gains to supercharge the economy by up to £8bn a year.”
Logistics UK reiterates call for dedicated logistics minister following election announcement
