Logistics UK Calls For Welsh Freight Strategy As Welsh Budget Ignores Sector
Most Critical Economic Sectors,
Business group Logistics UK urges the Welsh Senedd to publish its long-awaited freight and logistics strategy as a matter of urgency, following the omission of the sector from the latest Welsh budget. This is a decision that overlooks the significance of the sector to the Welsh economy, according to Logistics UK Policy Manager Josh Fenton:
"No explicit provision for freight and logistics in the final Welsh budget fails to recognise one of the country's largest and most critical economic sectors, and risks inhibiting investment by creating uncertainty in the industry that moves all the goods Wales relies on, every day. Thousands of businesses and more than 90,000 people – 6.7% of the Welsh workforce – are employed in logistics roles, and the sector contributes £3.3 billion to the Welsh economy.
"Previously, the Welsh government has made several commitments to produce a Welsh freight and logistics strategy, but nothing has been forthcoming: the document needs to be published as a matter of urgency so it can be delivered before the Senedd elections.
"The closure of Holyhead Port following storm damage is just one recent incident that highlights the acute need for such an overarching logistics strategy to support the nation's economic growth plans, and it remains Logistics UK's top priority for the next Welsh government."
Logistics UK is one of the UK's biggest 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 decarbonisation, 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, water 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. For more information about the organisation and its work, please visit logistics.org.uk
