Challenge-trg Group gives non-native speaking staff English lessons as Brexit deadline looms

Logistics and recruitment and distribution company Challenge-trg Group has introduced English lessons for non-native speaking drivers and warehouse staff.

The move forms part of its plan to tackle any fallout from Brexit, which it claims will have "a significant impact" on logistics and warehousing businesses across the country.

“We have introduced English lessons for our non-native speaking drivers and warehouse staff, to both upskill them and provide more effective services for our clients,” explained chief operating officer Richard Cropper.

“We’re passionate about equipping our workers with new skills, which is why we have introduced the English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) qualification to improve writing, reading and listening.”

The company has also encouraged all its EU migrant workers to register their presence in the UK as part of the Home Office Settlement Scheme before the latest planned leaving date of 31 October.

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Under the scheme, EU workers will be able to continue working in the UK after Brexit. If the application is approved, EU nationals and their families will be able to carry on living in the UK, and they will be given either ‘settled’ or ‘pre-settled’ status, depending on how long they have lived in the country.

“Brexit poses a real threat to the logistics industry, and while the timescale and true impact remain uncertain, we’re doing our best to ensure our business and its staff are prepared for the potential fallout," Cropper continued.

“Our greatest asset, as with most businesses, is our workforce, and with the current skills gap in the UK, we rely on recruiting experienced HGV drivers from overseas."

Challenge-trg Group also admitted that it has concerns over Brexit's impact on border control. In a recent letter to HM Revenue and Customs, Chancellor Sajid Javid demanded that immediate action be taken and requested that HMRC recruit 5,000 more customs officials to address the issue.

As it stands, drivers only need to show their passport and boarding details, meaning that lorries get through in a matter of minutes. However, the company believes stricter post-Brexit controls may mean waiting times lengthen to five hours.