Government backs new logistics recruitment drive

Government and the logistics sector have launched a campaign to tackle the industry’s long-term recruitment issues and future-proof the industry’s talent pipeline.

Sponsored by the Department for Transport alongside companies from across the industry, the Generation Logistics campaign will raise awareness of an industry often overlooked by those seeking employment and challenge their pre-conceptions about what working in logistics can offer.

“Our research has revealed that 90 per cent of the population has never considered working in our industry, yet it employs over 2.6 million people,” said Phil Roe, president of Logistics UK, which has been leading the development of the campaign.

“At a time when recruitment of new staff has never been more difficult, this campaign will lift the lid on the opportunities which logistics has on offer and encourage workers of all ages to investigate the careers which our businesses can provide.”

He added: “We are hoping to puncture some of the myths around the sector, and provide a clear, practical pathway for those who want to explore whether a career in logistics could be for them – from truck drivers through to data scientists, robotics engineers and everything in between.”

Starting with a focus on young adults aged 16-24, the campaign will then target other potential employee groups, including career switchers and maternity or paternity leave returners.

Generation Logistics centres on a new website designed to highlight the benefits of working in the industry and outline how logistics roles can meet the priorities of the next generation of workers.

The site will offer an online hub full of resources, learning materials and job openings, alongside partnerships with leading industry bodies, trade associations and vital core businesses across all freight modes including Amazon, DHL, Stobart and Tesco.fresh

The campaign’s organisers said they are confident that Generation Logistics “will make it significantly easier for people to kick start their career in the industry and future-proof the sector’s workforce”.

Transport minister Karl McCartney said: “The last few years have shown how crucial our logistics sector is to both the economy and our daily lives.

“That’s why we put 33 measures in place to help tackle the effects of a global driver shortage. Since then, the sector has started to recover, and industry bodies are reporting positively on the number of HGV drivers stabilising.

“The Generation Logistics campaign, backed by Government funding, will support the sector to grow from strength to strength, helping to recruit and retain a skilled workforce and shift perceptions of the industry.

“I’d encourage people from all walks of life to seriously consider kickstarting a rewarding and exciting career in logistics right now, with a wide range of opportunities on offer.”

For more information about the campaign, visit the website, or click here is you are interested in becoming a Generation Logistics sponsor.