United Kingdom Warehousing Association (UKWA) CEO, Peter Ward, has expressed the Association’s disappointment and frustration that the UK government “seems not to have recognised the critical labour shortage facing the warehousing and logistics industry”; a sector that depends on immigrant labour – particularly at peak times, such as Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Christmas.

Ward says: “[The] announcement at the Conservative party conference was disappointing in the extreme. It is vital that the Government understands the need for low-level, low-skilled workers. Work permits for level 5 educated employees on salaries over £30k will simply not help our sector.”

UKWA has repeatedly highlighted the impact of the so-called ‘Brexodus’ of Eastern European migrants leaving the UK since the Brexit vote and has voiced deep concerns of members that the proposed government cap on immigration post-Brexit will severely exacerbate the labour crisis.

Ward added: “We echo the message to government from the CBI, but are frustrated that while hospitality, healthcare and construction sectors are mentioned – again logistics is overlooked; yet ours is the industry that facilitates global trade and feeds and clothes the nation.

“Clearly it is imperative that UKWA continues to work hard to raise awareness of the potentially disastrous consequences for our members of post-Brexit immigration caps.”