On 30 March 2020, the Department for Transport confirmed to the Road Haulage Association and the Freight Transport Association that the logistics sector forms an essential part of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
A letter sent by the DfT provided much needed clarity on the definition of ‘essential workers’ and confirmed that all those working within the logistics sector, not just those involved in the supply of food and medical supplies, are essential during this current crisis.
This means that any necessary travel by haulage drivers, managers, warehouse staff and all other logistics professionals to and from their place of work is considered ‘essential travel’ in the context of current restrictions.
The DfT have informed the Police of the importance of the work carried out by those within this industry, however, it is advisable for employers within the logistics sector to provide a copy of the DfT’s letter to their employees that can be shown to the relevant authorities if necessary.
A copy of the DfT’s letter can be found here.
Contact the Regulatory team on 01254 828300 or regulatory@backhouses.co.uk for more information.