Skills for Logistics - Dr Mick Jackson
Delivering the goods in the snow and ice – the industry deserves the nation’s thanks
The recent bad weather has emphasised the extent to which the whole nation relies on the organisation, expertise and commitment of the freight logistics industry, and the men and women who work in it, in order to carry out routine life in the UK. From the distribution of food and drink, medical supplies and fuel, to the operation of salters and gritters to keep the roads open, the industry has demonstrated its invaluable contribution to the economy and to the daily needs of the whole population. The snow and ice have constituted a real emergency over the last three weeks – but an emergency which the freight logistics industry has been able to respond to and overcome.
In the twenty-first century we take for granted the availability of goods and services where we want them and when we want them. However, deliveries do not occur by magic – they are the result of a highly sophisticated and hi-tech operation designed to get material to shops, offices, factories, homes and other destinations as efficiently and economically as possible.
The recent weather has constituted a major challenge to the whole of the industry in its ability to continue to maintain the supply of goods and services across the country and, in particular, to those locations worst hit. I am proud to be able to say that the people working in the freight logistics industry have produced a magnificent response to this challenge. Whilst, of course, there have been some inevitable delays as the result of weather conditions, road closures and temporary hold-ups in some parts of the supply chain, the overall performance of the industry has been first class with the very vast majority of deliveries experiencing on-time service or minimal delays.
Some 2.3 million people work in the UK freight logistics industry including some 450,000 drivers. This week they deserve the nation’s thanks. This industry represents a vital and fundamental element of our way of life and offers career opportunities across a range of skills from IT to engineers, from managers to drivers, and much more. The experience has demonstrated the enormous contribution and value of what we do and I hope will encourage jobseekers and career changers to consider joining us and enjoying the rewards and satisfaction of carrying out such an important and worthwhile role.’
Dr Mick Jackson is Chief Executive of Skills for Logistics. For further information, contact Skills for Logistics on Tel: 01908 313360 or visit: www.skillsforlogistics.org
Published: 15/01/2010
