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Logistics UK provides written evidence to Senedd inquiry into the Holyhead Port closure
Logistics UK has submitted written evidence to the Senedd Economy, Trade, and Rural Affairs Committee’s inquiry into the Holyhead Port Storm Damage and Closure.
Logistics UK has submitted written evidence to the Senedd Economy, Trade, and Rural Affairs Committee’s inquiry into the Holyhead Port Storm Damage and Closure.
Logistics UK highlighted that the closure of Holyhead Port and the Holyhead-Dublin route, which resulted from Storm Darragh in December, had a significantly negative and costly impact on the logistics industry during its busiest trading period.
Logistics UK’s Head of Trade and Devolved Policy, Nichola Mallon said: “Logistics UK welcomes the opportunity to respond to this inquiry by the Senedd Economy, Trade, and Rural Affairs Committee into the Holyhead Port Storm Damage and Closure.
“The closure of Holyhead Port and the Holyhead- Dublin route had a significantly negative and costly impact on the haulage and logistics industry at what should have been its busiest time of the trading year.
“This incident highlighted the critical gaps in communication and coordinated contingency planning, the fragility of the port network, and the importance of ensuring port infrastructure and the port network serving the UK and its trading partners is resilient in the face of increasing extreme weather events and emergency incidents.
“Logistics UK is aware of cases where drivers were parked up for up to 36 hours, in winter weather, waiting to get a confirmed booking with little to no rest room and welfare facilities. This lack of access to basic human welfare would not be accepted if it was a reality in any other industry and we should not expect our drivers, who provide a critical national service, to have to endure these conditions.
“Logistics UK continues to make the case for improved, safe and secure driver welfare facilities across the UK, and provision of adequate driver facilities must also be a priority action within future contingency planning for exceptional events.
“Logistics UK believes there is important learning from a contingency and resilience perspective to be drawn from this situation which will require a devolved nation and wider two islands response in partnership with industry.”
Published On: 20/02/2025 14:43:40
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News In Brief
Government announces apprenticeship flexibilities
The government announced on 11 February some key reforms to apprenticeships, during National Apprenticeships Week. The government has:
• Introduced flexibility in requirements for English and maths with immediate effect. Businesses will now be able to decide whether adult learners over the age of 19 will need to complete a level 2 English and maths qualification (equivalent to GCSE).
• Reduced the minimum duration of an apprenticeship from twelve to eight months, with this coming into effect from August 2025. Logistics UK has long called for both of these changes.
The government estimates these reforms could enable up to 10,000 more apprentices to qualify each year. While apprentices will still be assessed on core English and maths skills relevant to their roles, they won’t need formal GCSE-equivalent qualifications.
The Rail Delivery Group, on 10 February, announced at the start of National Apprenticeship Week that the sector plans to recruit 2,000 apprentices this year and at least 10,000 in the next five years.
Network Rail, train and freight operators, manufacturers and those in the wider rail supply chain will be offering a variety of one to-four-year apprenticeships.
Logistics UK has been calling for greater flexibility and the opportunity to work with the government to make sure any reforms reflect the needs of its members.
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