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Freight employers call for more women in the workforce – updated

[ March 8, 2023   //   ]

Scottish forwarding and logistics company Streamline Shipping Group is calling for more women to enter the UK’s logistics workforce, to mark International Women’s Day on 8 March.

Women make up 20% of transport sector employees but only 3% of HGV drivers in the UK, and with only 10% of managerial roles taken on by women. 

Streamline Shipping Group is eager to see more women join the UK’s logistics workforce, taking on a variety of roles across a range of departments. Currently, 33% of the company’s managerial staff is female, with representation across various departments, including the board of directors.

Streamline’s Rosanne is thought to be one of only two female artic drivers in the north of Scotland.

Streamline Shipping Group delivers pallets, part loads and full-load haulage throughout the UK from its depots in Aberdeen, Glasgow, Orkney, Shetland and Inverness.

Meanwhile, freight software specialist Forward Solutions said that flexible working could open the doors for women to enter senior technical roles. It said it has embraced a hybrid working model, split between working from home and in the office. This is a result of positive employee feedback during the pandemic and is to ensure a good work-life balance, helping to increase efficiencies and time management, with the reduction of commuting time.

Forward Solutions says that the IT and Software sector has historically been dominated by men, and whilst over the years the number of women in the sector has increased, in 2022 only 26% of the UK tech workforce were women.

One main reason for the lack of women in tech is due to little to no representation at many businesses, as the sector is usually run by men. As a result, many women find it impossible to break into these positions within the industry. 

XPO said meanwhile that it is actively involved in promoting all forms of diversity and inclusion as a daily part of its culture. The company will celebrate International Women´s Day by reaffirming its commitment to providing women with equal access to all job positions.

From 8 March and through the month, XPO will hold a series of internal group discussions at the European and country levels.

In addition to the internal discussions, many XPO facilities have arranged events at the country level, and have received a strong response from customers, suppliers and business partners.

Meanwhile, Dartford-headquartered groupage operator Europa said it now employs 40% women compared with an industry average of 20%. All parts of Europa now have over 20 per cent female representation. The company said it was testament to its flexible and family focused approach which includes generous support for parents. Europa Air & Sea, with UK and global sites in Hong Kong, China and the UAE has a 35% female representation.

Associated British Ports (ABP) has launched a recruitment drive to mark not only International Women’s Day but also National Careers Week celebrating women in the industry and looking to encourage others to take up careers in the ports.

It says its Humber ports we have many females working across a range of roles, all bringing with them a wealth of knowledge and expertise, and not all with a maritime background. A new brochure features a range of roles showing the opportunities, including engineering, marine, and operations.

And business group Logistics UK commented that the industry provides the perfect working environment for women, particularly for those returning to work after a career break. The organisation is highlighting the industry’s wide variety of roles available, ranging from postal workers to purchasing directors, and encouraging women to consider it as an employment option. The industry offers excellent opportunities for progression, as well as a working schedule which can fit around other commitments, such as family life: 

Campaigns such as the industry’s own Generation Logistics (www.generationlogistics.org) are drawing attention to the opportunities within the sector, with many women sharing their stories and demonstrating how they have gained a foothold in the industry. 

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