THERE ARE now numerous amber warnings that the logistics industry will face a shortage of vital workers following the government’s announcement of its new points based immigration system that will limit the number of low skilled workers entering the UK.
Peter Ward, the UK Warehousing Association’s CEO, commented: ‘Companies operating in the logistics and warehousing industry need access to low skilled, low cost labour and with low youth unemployment figures in the UK, the sector has traditionally looked to the EU to supplement its workforce.’
He continued: ‘While it is hoped that the majority of EU citizens currently working in UK warehouses and distribution centres will choose to stay in Britain by applying for EU settlement scheme status, it is clear that the inability to recruit shop floor operations staff from other countries will add to the recruitment pressure that the logistics industry is already under.’
