Logistics UK launches COVID-19 Performance Tracker

Thursday 27 August 2020

Business confidence across the logistics industry has plummeted since January 2020, according to the results of Logistics UK’s most recent Logistics Performance Tracker, although there are signs of recovery in some areas. To identify where support is needed most for businesses across the industry as coronavirus restrictions ease, Logistics UK has today announced the creation of its Logistics Industry Panel. This Panel comprises a significant group of businesses of all sizes dedicated to providing feedback on their operations to help inform the organisation’s discussions with government.

Elizabeth de Jong, Director of Policy at Logistics UK, comments: “While the future shape of the economy and the ongoing economic impact of COVID-19 is still unclear, it is critical that Logistics UK ensures government understands the effect of its policies and the support businesses require. Our Logistics Performance Tracker provides an evidence-based, quantitative insight into how logistics businesses continue to be affected by the pandemic and signposts where government support is most needed. The Panel provides a unique insight into the challenges faced by our industry."

The results of the August survey reveal that, while the level of disruption across the industry has fallen significantly from May 2020, nearly 11% are still reporting severe or extreme disruption to overall freight volumes. To enable their company to continue or resume trading effectively, over a third of respondents state that an extension of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) to 2021 is needed, and around half would seek relief to business rates or VAT/NI/Corporation rate tax payments deferred.

Members of Logistics UK have been invited to join the Panel, where – in exchange for sharing valuable feedback on their operations – they will be part of an exclusive group given access to detailed survey report findings. For more information, please visit www.logistics.org.uk/lpt

Logistics UK (formerly FTA) is one of the UK’s leading business groups, representing logistics businesses which are vital to keeping the UK trading, and more than seven million people directly employed in the making, selling and moving of goods. With COVID-19, Brexit, new technology and other disruptive forces driving change in the way goods move across borders and through the supply chain, logistics has never been more important to UK plc. Logistics UK supports, shapes and stands up for safe and efficient logistics, and is the only business group which represents the whole industry, with members from the road, rail, sea and air industries, as well as the buyers of freight services such as retailers and manufacturers whose businesses depend on the efficient movement of goods.