The new government could begin kickstarting growth in its first 100 days by partnering with the logistics sector to develop Labour’s promised industrial strategy, according to a leading business group.
Logistics UK said that involving its members in the development of the planned industrial strategy and the Government’s missions could deliver productivity gains to supercharge the economy by up to £8bn a year.
It’s now calling on Labour to work with the sector and implement the right policies to deliver skilled roles and break down barriers to opportunity.
Logistics UK’s chief executive David Wells said: “Logistics underpins all sectors of the economy to deliver for households, businesses and public services, every day and 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.”
The trade body is encouraging the Government to establish the public-private partnership with the industry which was included in its Manifesto asks. The business group said this would encourage legislators to consider the needs of logistics businesses as an integral part of all business decision-making.
“Logistics has a critical role to play in kickstarting growth,” he asserted. “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. This will ensure that our industry can facilitate and support the economic development the country needs to return to growth.”
Other key asks in the Logistics UK Manifesto include work to establish key measures such as skills partnerships and reforms to funding models to ensure a continued pipeline of talent is attracted into the sector.
The group has also called for an innovative and integrated infrastructure, backed by investment in a national logistics network, plus a fair transition to a green economy, underpinned by an agreed roadmap to net zero, depending on the availability of technology, infrastructure investment, regulatory reform and tax incentives.
Logistics UK has also stressed the need for trade backing as a driver of innovation and productivity, with reduced border friction through new and expanded trading relationships with Europe and the rest of the world.
“It is vital that we power up the country while reestablishing the UK’s industrial strength in a clean, green manner. At the same time, we must work with 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,” summed up Wells.
