Attracting new blood into logistics

There were double the number of vacancies in January 2022 than in January 2021, plus there were twice the number in peak-season November 2021 compared to pre-pandemic November 2019. This highlights a structural change to the labour market for logistics following shifts in retail patterns caused by the pandemic. With unemployment reaching record lows, competition for new employees has heated up, with up to 10,000 HGV driver vacancies, 20,000 warehouse operative vacancies, and 5,000 HGV mechanic vacancies available in June 2022.     

COMPETITION INCREASES FOR FEWER CANDIDATES

New research reveals that 90% of the UK population has never considered a career in logistics, despite it holding 4% of the UK’s job market. And with increasing competition for suitable candidates across all industries, in particular logistics, Logistics UK, in partnership with the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT), launched a ground-breaking initiative – Generation Logistics – in August 2022. Funded by businesses from across the logistics industry and the Department for Transport (DfT), the campaign aims to tackle the industry’s long-term recruitment issues and shift negative perceptions currently surrounding the logistics sector. After the raised profile for the sector generated during the pandemic, Generation Logistics aims to raise awareness of the industry, as well as highlighting opportunities which are available for those joining the sector.  

YEAR-LONG CAMPAIGN AIMS TO SHIFT PERCEPTIONS 

The campaign is already changing opinions about the sector, highlighting roles from technicians, mechanics, warehouse staff and HGV drivers through to backroom support workers and developers. Initially a 12-month programme, Generation Logistics aims to emphasise the importance of the logistics industry within the UK economy, and if the first year is as successful as Logistics UK believes it will be, then the campaign could be extended to sustain and grow its impact over time. 

SHINING A LIGHT ON THE CRITICAL ROLE LOGISTICS PLAYS 

Phil Roe, President at Logistics UK, commented: “The pandemic shone a light on the logistics industry, underlining the importance of our key workers and the critical role our sector plays in everyday life. With that in mind, it’s crucial we do all we can to engage with the next generation to encourage them to bring their talents to our industry. Generation Logistics will counteract 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.” 

ATTRACTING A BROAD RANGE OF TALENT

The campaign is designed to attract people of all backgrounds, from all walks and stages of life, whether just starting their career, returning to the workforce, or changing direction. Generation Logistics is running in partnership with industry stakeholders across all freight modes (road, air, rail, water/sea, and ports and warehousing), as well as those who rely on logistics services.  

Generation Logistics centres on a new website designed to highlight the many benefits of working in the industry and outline how logistics roles can, and do, meet the highest priorities of the next generation of workers. This site offers an online hub full of resources, learning materials and job openings, alongside partnerships with leading businesses, trade associations and vital core businesses across all freight modes including Amazon, DHL, Stobart and Tesco PLC. A particular focus for the campaign will be highlighting the availability of roles in new technologies such as robotics and automation which will be vital to keep pace with changes elsewhere in industry. 

HELPING SUPPORT SOCIAL MOBILITY 

While the greatest proportion (41.8%) of logistics jobs are grouped as low to middle-skilled, followed by low-skilled (26.1%), the pandemic highlighted the importance of all roles across industry. A 2022 report – The Impact of Logistics Sites in the UK – commissioned by Amazon and produced by Frontier Economics, found that two-thirds (63%) of logistics managers today do not have a university degree. This further highlights the sector’s importance in powering social mobility; not only does the logistics industry create jobs, but it creates rewarding careers with opportunities to advance.   

Alexandra Herdman, Senior Policy Manager, Logistics UK, said: “Generation Logistics is currently focusing on three target audiences for 2023 – school leavers, career switchers such as people who are looking for a long-term career after a first or second job, and those returning to work after a career break to raise their children. The campaign is starting to build a presence at face-to-face events which will be visited by our target audience.”

*www.generationlogistics.org

Published On: 03/11/2022 15:45:00

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