Thirty-six per cent of logistics companies anticipate long delays recruiting HGV drivers in the next 12 months, according to a 2019 survey by FTA, as the labour shortage across the sector reaches crisis point.

To equip companies with the practical knowledge and tools they need to recruit and retain staff, FTA has launched a brand new one-day event, The Labour Shortages Conference, sponsored by Manpower.

Taking place at the Macdonald Burlington Hotel in Birmingham on Tuesday 29 October 2019, a variety of expert speakers will provide the audience with practical advice and tips on how to implement effective recruitment and retention strategies. Combining interactive workshops, case studies and informative speaker sessions, attendees will learn how to engage effectively with local communities, produce relevant recruitment campaigns, implement training programmes and build impactful social media strategies.

Sally Gilson, Head of Skills Campaigns at FTA, the only business organisation representing all of the logistics sector, commented: “The nationwide shortage of skilled staff presents a serious challenge to logistics businesses; significant shortfalls of HGV drivers, warehouse staff, fitters, technicians and mechanics are all anticipated to continue in the next 12 months, which could be exacerbated by the loss of EU nationals from the UK after Brexit. Between an aging workforce, competition for skilled staff and shifting migration patterns, the sector is facing serious obstacles in the recruitment and retention of staff; FTA’s Labour Shortages Conference will arm companies with the practical knowledge and tools they need to face these challenges head on.”

Jason Greaves, Operations Director at ManpowerGroup says: “We’re very pleased to support this event that addresses such a critical issue at such an important time. As one of the largest and most established employment companies in the sector we’ve first-hand experience over many years of what the talent shortage means to the industry and in helping clients overcome this. I look forward to sharing some of the steps we have taken such as through our newly launched Driver Academy and also our schools outreach programmes – initiatives that help promote the sector to the next generation and provide a source of qualified drivers. But I am also really looking forward to learning how others are addressing these challenges.”

An early bird rate of £221.25 + VAT for FTA members and £262.50 + VAT for non-FTA members is available until 13 September 2019. Otherwise, the price to attend for FTA members is £295 + VAT and the price for non-members is £350 + VAT. For more information, or to book your place, please visit www.fta.co.uk/lsc19

fta

About the Author: John Loughran