Labour must prioritise logistics to boost economic growth

The new government could begin to stimulate growth within its first 100 days by engaging with the logistics sector to deliver Labour’s promised industrial strategy, as logistics can boost productivity across all areas of UK corporate governance, according to business group Logistics UK.

Following Labour’s general election victory, a group of business leaders have outlined how, with the right policies in place, the logistics sector can play a key role in driving economic growth and, as one of the UK’s largest employers, providing skilled jobs and breaking down barriers to career opportunities.

“Logistics is the backbone of all sectors of the economy, providing everyday services to households, businesses and public services,” he explains. Chief Executive of Logistics UK David Wells OBE“and it is a large sector in its own right, employing 8% of the UK workforce. As a result, logistics is ideally placed to help the new government get the economy going again, provided its needs can be integrated into the new government’s industrial strategy. If our members are to help the new government get off to the best possible start and give the economy a major boost, it is essential that a Labour administration supports the logistics sector to drive the growth the country so desperately needs.

“Smooth, cost-effective logistics are vital to every part of the UK economy and our sector stands ready to work with the new Government to deliver the infrastructure, decarbonisation, skills, innovation and trade policies that will enable the country to build back. By engaging our members in the development of the Government’s planned industrial strategy and mission, we are confident that logistics can deliver productivity gains to boost the economy by up to £8 billion a year*.

“It is vital that we power the country while rebuilding the UK’s industrial strength in a clean, green way. At the same time, we need to work with Government to deliver roles that will engage and delight the next generation of logistics talent and future-proof the UK supply chain to support trade both at home and abroad.”

Logistics UK remains committed to raising the profile and importance of the sector, urging the new government to establish a public-private partnership with the industry, which has been included in the business group’s Manifesto. Wells continues that this will encourage policymakers to consider the needs of logistics businesses as an integral part of all business decisions.

“Logistics has a key role to play in driving growth,” he says. “It is essential that the new administration involves our industry in all areas of Whitehall decision-making on the economy, by appointing a dedicated Minister for Logistics and Supply Chain – the role and needs of our sector should be an integral part of all plans. This will ensure that our industry can facilitate and support the economic development that the country needs to get back to growth.”

The full list of Logistics UK’s demands for the new government in its first 100 days in office can be found here: https://logistics.org.uk/research-hub/policies/logistics-uk-priorities-for-the-first-100-days-of