Brexit: Assurances sought by the logistics sector

The British International Freight Association (BIFA) and the Freight Transport Association (FTA) are seeking assurances about the impact of a hard Brexit on the logistics sector, following the Prime Minister’s speech yesterday.

The British International Freight Association (BIFA) says that Prime Minister Theresa May’s much anticipated speech remains short on the details that will assist its members as they go about their business of managing much of the UK’s visible international trade.

“Our members across the country over the last few months have been dealing with a lot of uncertainty,” said Robert Keen, director general of BIFA.

“They would have welcomed clarity on the mechanics that will underpin Mrs May’s desire for ‘tariff-free and frictionless trade’.

While it broadly supports the Prime Minister’s vision of Britain’s likely future relationship with European and global trading partners, the Freight Transport Association (FTA) is concerned about the impact of Brexit on its members ability to recruit EU nationals.

The UK road transport industry is highly reliant on EU nationals who work as drivers, warehouse operatives and in other key roles across the sector. The continued ability of FTA members to employ and recruit these key workers will be essential to their future business success. FTA will be seeking assurances that the government recognises and accommodates the essential needs of the logistics sector.