The Government has unveiled a multi-million-pound new plan to bolster the supply chain and create a more resilient and greener haulage sector.
A major campaign is underway to recruit and retain a skilled workforce in the logistics sector. The Government says it builds on its “unprecedented action” during the pandemic which has led to sector reports of pressures easing, following global challenges on the supply chain.
The campaign is one part of the Government’s Future of Freight plan, setting a strategy for the Government and industry to work more closely together to deliver a world-class, seamless flow of freight across the UK’s roads, railways, seas, skies and canals.
The Generation Logistics campaign, led by Logistics UK, the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport in the UK, and backed by £345,000 Government funding, includes an online hub full of resources, learning materials and job openings to make it easier for people to kickstart their career in the industry, as well as TV and radio adverts which will help to attract candidates.
This follows the Government’s 33 actions taken to tackle the HGV driver shortage and protect the supply chain. This included increasing the number of driving test slots, investing in new roadside facilities and introducing bootcamps, which has seen the number of available HGV drivers stabilise.
It comes as part of wider Government efforts to help more people into work, since this is the best way to support families in the long-term while growing the economy to address the cost of living.
The strategy includes £7million investment to boost the uptake of innovative new technology, helping decarbonise and digitalise the sector. Funding could go towards initiatives like trialling hydrogen cranes to support decarbonisation or even testing low carbon fuels across the industry.
The Government says these technologies will support a more cost-efficient, reliable, resilient and sustainable freight sector. Today’s investment will support wider economic growth by ensuring businesses can operate efficiently, getting the goods they need on time and at a reasonable cost while safeguarding their jobs.
(Picture – Highways News)
