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Major threat to logistics as EU workers head for home
[ November 30, 2017 // Chris ]Official government figures published on 30 November, which showed a sharp fall in net migration into the UK since the Brexit vote last year, have confirmed that EU logistics workers are packing up and heading home, said the Freight Transport Association.
The departure of EU workers is a ‘major threat’ to a logistics industry already struggling to recruit staff, it adds.
Deputy chief executive, James Hookham said: “Today’s statistics have confirmed what our members are telling us – EU workers are beginning to leave the UK and head home. We have had reports of businesses losing 100 EU nationals a month, partly due to uncertainty about the future, alongside improved opportunities at home and the devaluation of the pound, making UK earnings worth less when converted to European currencies”.
“EU workers are critical to the success of Britain’s supply chain. There are 43,000 EU truck drivers working in the UK and an estimated 120,000 EU warehouse workers. They play a vital role in the successful running of warehouses, transportation hubs and freight deliveries – moving the goods UK industry and every consumer needs. Without the contribution of EU workers, where are staff for the logistics industry going to come from?
“ If it escalates, there’s a danger some firms may be left without enough staff to continue trading. These numbers are a reminder that we need urgent clarification about the future rights of EU citizens to remain living and working in the UK after Brexit.”