In the wake of Labour’s victory in the recent General Election, Logistics UK has urged the new UK Government to prioritise the logistics sector to stimulate economic growth.
The industry body argues that the logistics industry is pivotal for enhancing productivity and supporting various sectors across the nation.
Commenting on the change of government, David Wells OBE, Chief Executive of Logistics UK, said:
“Logistics underpins all sectors of the economy to deliver for households, businesses, and public services every day,” he explained. “As a major sector employing 8% of the UK workforce, 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.”
Wells also elaborated on the potential benefits of involving the logistics sector in policy-making, particularly within the framework of Labour’s promised industrial strategy.
“Efficient, cost-effective logistics is critical to every single part of the UK’s economy. 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,” he said.
Highlighting the economic impact, Wells pointed out that the logistics sector could contribute significantly to productivity gains.
“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 £8 billion a year,” stated Wells.
Logistics UK is also advocating for a public-private partnership to address the sector’s needs and enhance its contribution to the economy. Wells stressed the importance of this collaboration, saying, “It is vital that we power up the country while re-establishing the UK’s industrial strength in a clean, green manner. At the same time, we must work with the government to provide the roles that will engage and excite the next generation of logistics talent and future-proof the UK’s supply chain to support trade both at home and abroad.”
In line with this vision, Logistics UK has outlined several key priorities for the new government to consider in its first 100 days.
These include the establishment of a dedicated minister for logistics and supply chain, ensuring that the logistics sector’s needs are integrated into all business decision-making processes.
“Logistics has a critical role to play in kickstarting growth,” Wells said. “It is vital that the new administration involves our industry in all areas of Whitehall decision-making on the economy, through the appointment of a dedicated minister for logistics and supply chain. Our sector’s role and needs should be an integral part of all plans.”
Photo: Geof Sheppard, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons