As the country – indeed, the world – faces its greatest challenge in recent history, it’s critical that the logistics sector responds quickly and decisively in this time of need. Our facilities, vehicles and workforce have a vital part to play in ensuring that essential supplies continue to course through our national supply networks. Urgent medical equipment, pharmaceuticals, food to fill empty shelves in supermarkets and home grocery deliveries for those most at risk, must all be supplied seamlessly and efficiently if the government’s strategy to lock-down the country in order to defeat this deadly virus is to succeed. If ever the country depended on logistics, it’s right now.
At UKWA, we are working closely with the leading industry bodies FTA, RHA, CILT and the Cold Chain Federation to present the government with important information on the ‘State of the UK Logistics Industry’ in the face of the Coronavirus crisis. To this end we have engaged with consultants, Bis Henderson, to conduct a nationwide survey of the country’s logistics and warehousing businesses.
We need your help. For example, we need to know: What are the impacts of COVID-19 on your business? How much space do you have available? Do you have labour resources that could be called upon? What practices are you putting in place to ensure social distancing and protection of staff? We need fast turnaround on these results, so we are asking everyone to return their questionnaire within 24 hours. If you haven’t received a questionnaire, please email sue@ukwa.org.uk
From this survey we hope to find ways of maximising the potential of the sector, by looking at where opportunities exist for collaboration, whether that be through identifying where space is available and then matching that capacity to those in need, or finding where labour resources can be best redeployed. By pulling together as a sector we can help each other and the nation by using our resources to full effect.
A few days ago there was widespread confusion over what was considered to be essential work. TV reports highlighted the concern of ‘gig’ economy workers faced with a stark choice of either working and risking exposure to Coronavirus or not being able to eat. This need not be the case. A number of businesses in the logistics sector were unsure whether they should keep their warehouses open for business or not. However, clear guidelines have now been put in place and I’m pleased to say that the government regards logistics as essential work that must carry on for the national good.
Of course, protecting warehouse staff must be the primary concern for all businesses operating during this difficult time. Strict working practices must be followed regarding social distancing during traveling to work, entering a warehouse and within operational processes. Extra protective equipment should be made available and work based common rooms or canteens should be closed. Regimes for cleaning surfaces and maintaining sanitised conditions must be implemented and adhered to. For more information on these guidelines go to the COVID-19 hub at www.ukwa.org.uk
Many businesses in our industry are suffering at this time, particularly those with transport fleets lying idle. In UKWA we are working hard to find ways of collaborating across the sector, to get our people and assets working. We are also conscious of the financial help many of our member businesses need to survive this crisis. On behalf of our members we are actively lobbying government to introduce measures that will best protect our businesses and livelihoods. There is much to be done, but I would like to assure all our members that we are doing everything we can to get you through this crisis.
There has never been a more important time to be a member of UKWA.
Peter Ward
UKWA, CEO
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