If the new Labour government partnered with the logistics industry immediately it could kickstart economic growth within the first 100 days, Logistics UK said this week.

The association is calling on the Labour government to harness the potential of the logistics sector to drive economic growth across the UK, as one of the UK’s largest employers in the country.

Logistics UK 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.

”If our members are to help get the new government off to the best possible start and give the economy a vital boost, it is essential that the Labour administration supports the logistics sector to drive the growth the country so desperately needs.

Wells said the sector played a pivotal role in the country’s economy, delivering “efficient, cost-effective logistics is critical to every single part of the UK’s economy” adding: “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.

”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 £8bn a year*.

“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 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.”

Logistics UK also called on the new government to establish the public-private partnership with the industry which was included in the business group’s Manifesto asks. Wells said this will encourage legislators to consider the needs of logistics businesses as an integral part of all business decision making.

He added: ”Logistics has a critical role to play in kickstarting growth. 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.”

A full list of Logistics UK’s asks of the new government in its first 100 days can be found here.