Archives
Business, Freight News, Logistics
FTA calls for end to migrant worker uncertainty
[ January 8, 2018 // Chris ]The Freight Transport Association is demanding that the Government publishes the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC)’s recommendations on the future role of European workers in the UK immediately, instead of waiting until its proposed publication date next year. It says that waiting until the UK is on the point of leaving the European Union before deciding the future of EU workers could have a catastrophic effect on all aspects of the nation’s supply chain.
Deputy chief executive James Hookham, said: “Leaving crucial members of the workforce under a cloud of uncertainty as to their legal status and right to work in the UK is an irresponsible move. Lack of available skilled staff will pose a serious threat to links at every stage of the nation’s supply chain, and could jeopardise supplies of goods and services to homes, businesses and manufacturers.”
He warned that logistics operators are already facing serious issues in recruiting sufficient skilled workers. “If those EU workers are to be denied access to work as the UK leaves the European Union, their employers need to know now so that plans can be made now, not with only two days’ notice, which is all that the planned MAC publication date will provide.”
More than 310,000 workers from the EU are currently employed in UK logistics, 12.3% of the sector’s total workforce.