Attract, Train, Retain: A Call for Evidence

Today (24th June), the APPG for Freight and Logistics has launched a call for evidence to inform the drafting of a new report on fostering diversity in the logistics workforce. The session brought together parliamentarians, Department for Transport officials, trade associations including the Road Haulage Association and Logistics UK, unions including Aslef and Unite, companies including British Airways, GXO, Maersk, and Fagan & Whalley, as well as campaign groups such as Road to Logistics and Veterans into Logistics.

This session focused on the underlying causes of lacking workforce diversity such as driver welfare, the critical need for a diverse workforce against worsening skills shortages, and how the APPG and its members can support the steps being taken to tackle these challenges. A report on the topic will now be drafted, using contributions during the session, along with submissions to the call for evidence.

When addressing this call for evidence, we are seeking responses on diversity with regards gender, neurodiversity, race, age, socio-economic, and career background.

We are inviting views on the following points:

• Which parts of the logistics sector have made the greatest progress in fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce and why

• Where diversity needs to be improved most urgently and why

• Examples of where the logistics industry has suffered from being unable to attract a diverse workforce

• The barriers to entry into the workforce and how they can be reduced

• Challenges facing the industry in retaining younger talent

When submitting a response, you should include a brief explanation of your organisation, its work and whether you would like your organisation to be mentioned in the report once it is launched.

Submissions are open until July 24th and should be sent to the group’s secretariat at: rha@pagefield.co.uk.