Help tackle the skills shortage, FTA asks businesses

The FTA has been campaigning for Government to consider the affects of a skill shortage.

The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Road Freight and Logistics, Chaired by Sir Mike Penning MP has launched a call for evidence into the skills shortage that threatens to bring the industry to a halt. The Freight Transport Association (FTA), the business organisation which represents the sector, implores FTA members and logistics businesses to contribute to the submissions for the survey. Sally Gilson, FTA’s Head of Skills commented:

“The logistics industry is the lifeblood of the UK economy, employing more than 2.5 million people and contributing £121 billion to the nation’s GVA (gross value added). Yet it is facing a ticking time bomb: the ever-increasing shortage of skilled workers; there are currently 52,000 vacancies for HGVs drivers alone. And with the prospect of losing access to vital EU workers, the shortage could reach catastrophic levels. From HGV drivers to warehouse staff, the UK economy simply cannot operate without the logistics workforce – businesses would come grinding to a halt and Britain would cease trading.”

The FTA has been campaigning, for many years, for Government to consider the affects of a skill shortage and how it will be detrimental to Britain trading.  Logistics is a flexible, adaptable sector, always willing and able to rise to any challenge placed in front of it. With Brexit looming, businesses are having to prepare for all scenarios – but without knowing what a No Deal outcome could mean for both EU and UK citizens, it is impossible to plan staffing levels effectively.  Ms Gilson continues, “The logistics sector is working hard to attract new homegrown talent, but we are competing against many other sectors also suffering skills shortages, which is why we have record levels of vacancies across the sector.” There is a real prospect that if the government does not prioritise the confirmation of the workforce Britain’s trading will come to a grinding halt. Read more

Source: FREIGHT TRANSPORT ASSOCIATION

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