UK logistics needs European workers to continue trading

Category: DeliveryNewsNews

According to the Freight Transport Association (FTA), without EU workers the UK’s freight and logistics industry could grind to a halt. They are calling for urgent clarification on the timings involved for new workers rights. They are also petitioning the government to ensure that the application process for EU citizens is as seamless as possible which would prevent a lack of available skilled working leading to delays in services.

EU workers currently account for 13% of HGV drivers and 26% of warehouse operatives employed in the UK’s freight and logistics industry, itself a net £121 billion Gross Value Added contributor to the national economy. And with 2.54 million people currently working in the UK’s logistics sector nationwide, removing this proportion of the workforce could have a disastrous effect on the UK’s economy, according to the FTA.

“The Government’s announcement on the rights of EU workers to remain and work in the UK is a welcome first step in enabling businesses to plan and manage their workforces,” says Pauline Bastidon, Head of European Policy at FTA, which represents more than 16,000 businesses in the logistics sector. “But there is still much to be done to ensure that logistics companies are not left stranded, without the skilled workforce required to keep Britain’s trade moving nationwide, and across borders to other nations.”

“These EU workers are crucial to the success of the UK’s logistics industry – and thus to the success of the nation’s economy as a whole. With insufficient homegrown workers currently available, the Government needs to give careful consideration to how vacancies could be filled in the short and long term, to ensure that Britain keeps on trading, both domestically and internationally.”

According to the Government’s proposal, workers who have been living continuously in the UK for five years will be able to apply to stay in the country indefinitely through “settled status”. However, clarification is still needed for the “cut off” date for arrivals to the country who have not been resident for five years, and this lack of information could have a significant impact on British business’ ability to trade efficiently in the coming months and years.

“Whenever the new legislation is introduced, it is imperative that the Government makes the application process for those wishing to work in the UK as free from red tape as possible,” continues Bastidon. “The logistics industry needs and deserves to employ the very best candidates while it trains up the next generation of employees, and it will need Government support to ensure that the country’s trading routes do not grind to a halt when the changes are made. The Government must ensure that its post-Brexit immigration policy takes into account the needs of crucial industries such as logistics, and provide as much clarity as possible, as early as it is feasible, to allow industry to plan ahead and adapt. This advanced notice is vital to ensure that British business can keep moving, both in the UK and overseas.”

This Thursday (25th) there is a driving ban in Europe. Here is a list of all the European countries;

Germany, France, Lichtenstein, Luxembourg, Austria and Switzerland

As a general rule, the driving ban for lorries will be as follows…

From Wednesday 24th May 10 pm… To Thursday 25th May 10 pm

This will not only affect deliveries to these countries but also deliveries which transit these countries.

It is also quite common when a Bank Holiday falls on a Thursday for European companies to make a ‘bridge’ and close on Friday too. Please be aware.

Please note all jobs will be delayed for at least 1 day. Please use our tracking facilities or alternatively contact us if you need any more information or rates on 02380 697000.