Up-to-date IT knowledge, paired with multi-skilled staff, is a necessity if firms want to stay ahead in the logistics sector, according to a report by the UK Commission for Employment and Skills.
The logistics sector provides an annual contribution of £90bn to the UK economy. However, the report entitled Understanding Skills and Performance Challenges in the Logistics Sector found that the country was facing a skills shortfall and recruitment difficulties. The report estimates over 1.2m extra jobs will be required by 2022.
Douglas McCormick, commissioner at the UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES), said: “As over 60 per cent of goods in the UK are moved by road, driver shortages would cause serious knock-on effects to the rest of the economy. It is vital, therefore, that employers ensure they are investing in training and recruiting new talent into the sector to provide a steady stream of skilled workers in the years to come.”
The report warns that rapidly evolving technology may mean firms risk being left behind by competitors.
Michael Davis, CEO at UKCES, said: “Taking on young talent can be an effective way of bringing new skills and technical experience to an employer – yet at present only nine per cent of the workforce in the logistics sector is aged under 25.
“Without investing more in getting young people into the industry and ensuring they are given the skills they need there is a very real risk that the existing talent pool will dry up – causing serious consequences for the rest of the economy as a whole.”
