“Recent events, both at home and abroad” have shown how critical the logistics sector is to the success of the UK, logistics minister Keir Mather told business leaders at an event held by the UK Warehousing Association (UKWA) in the House of Lords.
Mather stressed the government was “doing its best to step in and strengthen supply chains” that faced pressure from high fuel prices and the constant need to increase efficiency.
He cited reforms to the planning system to make sure local authorities account for the needs of logistics, funding for technology-driven advances, and better data on freight networks as examples of action the government is taking to support the industry.
Mather acknowledged the skills challenges in warehousing, saying that the UKWA was doing an “absolutely stellar job at shaping the workforce and making sure that it’s future-ready”.
The UKWA said it is also developing new technical and vocational pathways into warehousing, in collaboration with government departments.
Clare Bottle, UKWA chief executive, said: “We have been campaigning for a long time to get a minister for logistics, and the fact it has finally happened is a sign that the government is taking our sector seriously.
“It’s great to be working with Keir, who clearly understands the importance of warehousing to every business and household in the country, and the pressure our members are under.
“The government has made some positive moves, including planning reform and new training options for warehousing.
However she warned that more needed to be done to support the sector.
“There is a massive black cloud hanging over us at the moment, however, in the threat of further business rate rises in the Budget,” she warned.
“It’s absolutely essential that logistics is seen as a priority for the whole of government.
“Rising costs in one part of the supply chain, whether that’s tax, regulation or fuel, will lead to higher prices for companies and consumers.
“Business and government have to work together to stop this happening.”
