Unite the union said the transport select committee report out today (Wednesday) was ‘another flashing warning light’ for the UK’s haulage sector. 

The union, which represents thousands of haulage drivers, says that the industry can no longer drag its heels on the need to tackle driver shortages, poor pay and a lack of decent on the road facilities that are causing workers to walk away from the sector.  

Unite gave evidence to the select committee, which is quoted several times in the report.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “This report is another flashing warning light on the state of the road freight industry in this country.  

“Unite has been at the forefront in driving up wages for the UK’s lorry drivers with a host of above-inflation awards since I took over as general secretary last August. 

“But much more needs to be done to stop drivers deserting the sector. The logistics giants need to stop hoarding the profits and start investing in the workforce.”  

In its report ‘Road freight supply chain’, MPs urge the government to give the logistics sector two years to deliver sufficient drivers, workers and facilities. Failure to do so should see minsters implement a supply chain levy.

Unite national officer for the road transport sector, Adrian Jones, said: “Unite has been very clear that the sector must pay better and stop waiting for someone else to invest in lorry park rest facilities. As this report reaffirms, the troubles in the sector are the fault of the employers. 

“The proposed tax could help but waiting another two years for action will mean more workers facing long hours, poor conditions and low pay or simply leaving the sector.”

ENDS

For more information please contact Unite press office on:  020 3371 2065. 

Twitter: @unitetheunion Facebook: unitetheunion1 Web: unitetheunion.org 

Unite is the leading union in the UK and Ireland, dedicated to defending and improving members' jobs, pay and conditions. The general secretary is Sharon Graham.