Truck and Track Autumn 2022 www.truckandtrack.com 6 BUSINESS NEWS Government and the logistics sector has launched an exciting new campaign – Generation Logistics – which aims to tackle the industry’s long term recruitment issues and future-proof the industry’s talent pipeline. Sponsored by the Department for Transport alongside companies from all sides of the industry, Generation Logistics will raise awareness of an industry often overlooked by those seeking employment and challenge their pre-conceptions about what working in logistics can offer. “Our research has revealed that 90% of the population has never considered working in our industry,” says Phil Roe, President of Logistics UK which has been leading the development of the campaign, “yet it employs over 2.6 million people. At a time when recruitment of new staff has never been more difficult, this campaign will lift the lid on the opportunities which logistics has on offer and encourage workers of all ages to investigate the careers which our businesses can provide.” Starting with a focus on young adults aged 16 - 24 years, the campaign will then target other potential employee groups, including career switchers and maternity- or paternity-leave returners. Generation Logistics centres on a new platform designed to highlight the many benefits of working in the industry and outline how logistics roles can, and do, meet the highest priorities of the next generation of workers. This site will offer an online hub full of resources, learning materials and job openings, alongside partnerships with leading industry bodies, trade associations and vital core businesses across all freight modes including Amazon, DHL, Stobart and Tesco PLC. Phil Roe, President at Logistics UK, commented: “The pandemic shone a light on the logistics industry, underlining the importance of our staff as key workers and the critical role our sector plays in everyday life. With that in mind, it’s crucial we do all we can to engage with the next generation right now to encourage them to bring their talents to our industry. We are hoping to puncture some of the myths around the sector, and provide a clear, practical pathway for those who want to explore whether a career in logistics could be for them - from truck drivers through to data scientists, robotics engineers and everything in-between.” Transport Minister Karl McCartney said: “The last few years have shown how crucial our logistics sector is to both the economy and our daily lives. That’s why we put 33 measures in Welsh slate aggregate is being transported to Luton via rail freight for the first time ever, thanks to a joint initiative between Network Rail, construction materials company Breedon, and the Welsh Government. The Llandudno Junction freight yard, which hadn’t been used for several years, was brought back to life following extensive work at the site. Vegetation removal, track repairs and refurbishment of the points – which allow trains to swap between tracks – have enabled trains to enter and leave the yard. The first freight train to leave Llandudno Junction freight yard departed in July, carrying 22 wagons filled with slate aggregate from local quarries for the journey to Luton in south-east England. Each freight train removes approximately 76 lorries from the roads, reducing carbon emissions and congestions while making the air we breathe cleaner. The Welsh Government has provided match funding to Breedon Group for the enhancements at Llandudno Junction freight sidings via the Freight Facilities Grant scheme. The scheme is available to encourage modal shift where there are environmental benefits from removing HGVs from roads across Wales – up to 250,000 tonnes of slate waste aggregates is expected to be moved by rail each year from the site Jess Lippett, senior regional freight manager at Network Rail said: “Rail freight is a vital part of our infrastructure, providing a fast, green, safe and efficient way of transporting goods. “We’ve worked closely with our partners at Breedon and in Welsh Government to get Llandudno Junction open for business, ensuring that we can carry slate aggregates by rail and therefore reducing the number of lorries on the road and cutting carbon emissions. “The recent slate loading represents the second revenueearning freight flow to commence on the North Wales coastline in recent months - showing how we can work together to have a positive impact on the environment and the economy.” Andy Roberts, General Manager at Breedon’s Welsh Slate Business said “Breedon are delighted to have worked withWelsh Government to develop a high quality freight facility in North Wales. This will allow slate aggregate to be delivered across the UK in a sustainable manner and remove truck movements from the A55.” John Smith, chief executive officer at GB Railfreight said: “We’re delighted to be transporting Welsh slate from Llandudno. “It is encouraging to see the Government and the private sector come together to enable a service that will transport key construction materials, create employment opportunities and drive local growth. “This new service will demonstrate the commercial, environmental and safety benefits of transporting goods by rail freight.” Welsh slate on the move as a second revenuegenerating freight route opens up in North Wales Groundbreaking campaign reveals recruitment opportunity for logistics sector TRUCK & TRAILER SOLUTIONS WELCOME TO ALLPORTS GROUP allportsgroup.co.uk
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