Transport workers are among those on a new government list of people deemed "critical to the COVID-19 response" and whose children will therefore be prioritised for educational provision in schools.

Schools are currently being asked to continue to provide care for a limited number of children who are either vulnerable or who can't be safely cared for at home and whose parents are central to coping with the impact of the pandemic.

The government said the list included "those who will keep the air, water, road and rail passenger and freight transport modes operating during the COVID-19 response, including those working on transport systems through which supply chains pass".

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The news comes after RHA chief executive Richard Burnett (pictured) paid tribute to the positive response from transport secretary Grant Schapps to a set of measures requested to support the haulage industry through the crisis.

“I am in regular contact with Grant Schapps and am confident he understands the scale of the problem,” Burnett told motortransport.co.uk.

“He has been a breath of fresh air after his predecessor and has confirmed the government recognises logistics is a critical industry and its staff are key workers.”

The announcement has also been warmly welcomed by the FTA: “It is great news for FTA and its members, who are currently working under extreme pressure to ensure the resilience of the UK’s supply chain,” said policy director Elizabeth de Jong.

“Over the past few days, our team has made urgent approaches to the secretary of state and ministers to call for an all-encompassing definition that recognises the vital nature of roles in logistics and we are delighted that our request has been acknowledged at the highest level.

"It is also encouraging that logistics workers are now recognised as ‘key’, to help them play their part in the industry’s efforts to maintain vital supply chains.

“The news that logistics workers’ children can apply for access to schooling during the COVID-19 response period is a welcome relief to those dedicated workers who are currently working round the clock to keep the supply chain as resilient as possible. Their efforts are vital to the continued provision of goods and services to all the elements of the UK economy.

“Logistics workers are the unsung heroes in today’s economy, ensuring that shops, schools and hospitals, as well as manufacturing and our homes, have the products they need, when they need them. Today’s announcement is a very welcome recognition of this role, and will give reassurance to those working so hard to keep Britain trading under such challenging circumstances.”

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