Kinaxia opposes HGV drivers working hours extensions

Commenting on the government’s announcement that from today the hours that lorry drivers can work are being extended, Simon Hobbs, chief executive of Kinaxia Logistics, said:

“We have considered this decision at a recent senior management team meeting and, as one of the country’s leading logistics businesses, with a fleet of over 800 vehicles across 13 companies and a loyal and dedicated workforce of more than 1,600, we do not endorse the extension of drivers’ working hours, however temporary this may be.

“Ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our colleagues is our first priority. It is at the heart of the values that underpin our business. It is of paramount importance to us in terms of retaining our existing team and recruiting new drivers.

“We do not feel that extending working hours is in the interests of safety of our drivers and as a result we will not be enforcing the measure.

“However, we will continue to work closely with the Road Haulage Association, Logistics UK and our MPs to look at how the current industry-wide shortage of drivers can be addressed in the short and long term.

“We are committed to ensuring that the supply chain remains as unaffected as possible given the current circumstances and the pressures the industry is facing.”

He added: “Kinaxia has invested heavily in the recruitment, training and development of new drivers. We have also recently increased drivers’ salaries and introduced an enhanced range of benefits.

“There are some simple measures that the government could take to resolve the driver shortage issue, including adding HGV drivers to the Shortage Occupation List.

“It is incomprehensible that they have not been added when the government has been continuously warned that this shortage is likely to lead to significant inflationary pressure and to throttle the manufacturing and retail economy.”

Kinaxia, which has its headquarters in Macclesfield, Cheshire, offers contract packing, e-fulfilment, returns management and storage services from its nationwide warehouse facilities.

It has seen significant and continued growth over recent years, with annual revenues now approaching £200m.