The incoming government could begin kickstarting growth in its first 100 days by partnering with the logistics sector to develop Labour’s promised industrial strategy, as logistics can boost productivity for all areas of UK PLC, according to business group Logistics UK.

With Labour registering a victory in the General Election, the business group has outlined how, with the right policies, the logistics sector is key to driving economic growth and, as one of the UK’s largest employers, deliver skilled roles and break down barriers to opportunity.

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“Logistics underpins all sectors of the economy to deliver for households, businesses and public services every day,” explains Logistics UK’s Chief Executive David Wells OBE, “and is a major sector in its own right, employing 8% of the UK workforce. As a result, logistics is ideally placed to help the new government get the economy moving again, providing its needs can be accommodated in the new government’s industrial strategy. If our members are to help get the new government off to the best possible start and give the economy a vital boost, it is essential that the Labour administration supports the logistics sector to drive the growth the country so desperately needs.

“Efficient, cost-effective logistics is critical to every single part of the UK’s economy and our sector is poised to work in partnership with the new government to establish the infrastructure, decarbonisation, skills, innovation and trade policies that will get the country building again.  By involving our members in the development of the planned industrial strategy and the government’s missions, we are confident that logistics can deliver productivity gains to supercharge the economy by up to £8 billion a year”.

“It is vital that we power up the country while re-establishing the UK’s industrial strength in a clean, green manner. At the same time, we must work with the government to provide the roles that will engage and excite the next generation of logistics talent and future-proof the UK’s supply chain to support trade both at home and abroad.”

Logistics UK remains committed to raising the profile and importance of the sector by encouraging the new government to establish the public-private partnership with the industry which was included in the business group’s Manifesto asks. As Wells continues, this will encourage legislators to consider the needs of logistics businesses as an integral part of all business decision making.

“Logistics has a critical role to play in kickstarting growth,” he asserts. “It is vital that the new administration involves our industry in all areas of Whitehall decision-making on the economy through the appointment of a dedicated minister for logistics and supply chain – our sector’s role and should be an integral part of all plans. This will ensure that our industry can facilitate and support the economic development the country needs to return to growth.”