Both the UK Government and the freight industry have reported a decline in the number of people applying to roles within the logistics industry lately. This has been compounded by Brexit complications, and the demand for people has outgrown the supply. The Future of Freight plan, launched by the UK Government, and Generation Logistics initiative launched by Logistics UK and CILT, are designed to invest in people and technology to staff, digitalise, and decarbonise the logistics industry.

What is the Future of Freight plan?

The Future of Freight plan, launched by the UK Government, focuses on helping companies to recruit and retain people. According to the plan, the number of logistics jobs in the UK has grown by 26% since 2010, which is nearly double the rate of the wider economy. As a result, there needs to be more done to recruit in this sector.

Additionally, the logistics industry is responsible for over 20% of the UK’s transport carbon emissions, so the Future of Freight plan is also investing in greener initiatives as a part of the UK’s net-zero goals.

Accountability for the plans targets

To hold both the government and corporations accountable for their commitments , a new Freight Council has been formed to oversee 5 key areas, outlined by Parliamentary Under Secretary of State Trudy Harrison MP in the plan’s foreword:

“1. We will identify a National Freight Network (NFN) across road, rail, maritime, aviation, inland waterway and warehouse infrastructure. Our longterm aim will be to remove the barriers which prevent the seamless flow of freight. 

2. A new open and honest relationship will be forged with the sector to collectively assess its future energy and fuel needs through a Freight Energy Forum. We want to support the entire sector in its transition to net zero by 2050. 

3. We will also undertake a planning call for evidence to explore planning reform opportunities. Because, freight needs to, above all, serve the interests of local communities across the country. 

4. Work has already begun on the forthcoming ‘Generation Logistics’ campaign to reset the sector’s image and raise awareness of the breadth of career options across freight and logistics. In addition, we’ll work with the sector to strengthen our longer-term employment and skills offer.

5. Finally, by connecting the sector to innovators via a dedicated £7m Freight Innovation Fund, we will maximise the use of technology and data across freight and logistics.”

What is Generation Logistics?