2p or not 2p Fuel duty increase - A cost to all: FTA 25 September 2007

The Freight Transport Association says that next Monday’s (1 October) increase in fuel duty by 2p per litre will inevitably impact on the whole population. Almost everything the nation consumes every day of the year is the product of a lorry journey and the Government will now increase the cost of all of those lorry journeys. From 1 October fuel duty on diesel increases to 50.35p per litre, the highest rate in Europe where the average level is just 22.7p per litre. The cost of oil itself on the world market is now over $79 per barrel and has increased by almost 14 per cent over the last month. The current price of a litre of bulk diesel is 79.68p per litre (excluding VAT) which is only just below the record levels seen in May 2006. World prices remain extremely volatile. The 2p per litre rise in fuel duty will increase the annual operating costs of one 44 tonne articulated lorry by £870 to £35,600. Significantly the 2p per litre fuel duty increase takes the pump price of diesel to over £1 per litre – no doubt to be quickly followed by petrol. FTA Director of External Affairs, Geoff Dossetter said, ‘Fuel represents a third of the operating cost of many lorries and significant increases in fuel prices are bad news for transport and thus for consumers. ‘It is very disappointing that, at a time of such turbulence in world oil prices, the Government has chosen to impose a further increase in costs for industry and motorists. ‘Road transport costs constitute an ingredient in the price of almost everything we eat, drink and use every day and it is essential that we contain those costs as far as we are able. ‘Even at this late stage the Government should recognise the extent of the problem and reconsider imposing this unnecessary increase in fuel duty.’

"Hauliers to face their own winter of discontent" says Road Haulage Association 24 September 2007

Today's news that the price of crude oil has hit an all time high is bad news indeed for UK hauliers. It comes as a result of a halt in oil production as the Gulf of Mexico faces more tropical storms. This is in addition to price increases in the Middle East. "This record breaking price for crude oil will inevitably mean that we will see a dramatic rise in the price for petrol and diesel," said RHA Chief Executive Roger King. "Of course we sypathise with those affected by such adverse weather conditions," he continued. "However, our fear is that as a result of events on what is effectively the other side of the world, motorists in general and road hauliers in particular will have to weather their own storms this winter. "Therefore, it is vital that the Chancellor places a freeze on the 2 pence per litre fuel duty increase scheduled fo the beginning of October. There can now be no argument that the imposition of this increase is completely unjustifiable."

IF MEN ARE FROM MARS AND WOMEN ARE FROM VENUS CAN WE EVER WORK TOGETHER? 24 September 2007

· Find out about how UK plc can benefit from introducing flexible working · Discover HR techniques to help with staff retention · Learn about the effects a happy workforce can have on the bottom line The 2007 Better Balance, Better Business event, co–hosted by the Freight Transport Association (FTA) and Skills for Logistics (SfL) is aimed at addressing workforce issues in order to benefit businesses. The event will focus on techniques to help improve staff retention and increase business success resulting in a more productive economy. Better Balance, Better Business aims to raise awareness of the various issues women in the logistics industries face to an audience of both men and women within the sector. The event is a must for individuals with an interest in human resource issues, skills development and flexible working practices. FTA and SfL are keen to encourage more men to attend the event as it is important for them to understand the realities and experiences that women face on a regular basis in the industry, and for delegates to hear about some of the initiatives designed to address these issues. The event will include a series of short presentations and panel led discussions on The Glass Cliff research project, mentoring, employment law and the implementation of flexible working to business benefit. There will also be an opportunity for delegates to network at the end of the day where they can meet with their peers and discuss ideas with the speakers. Theo de Pencier, Chief Executive of the Freight Transport Association said, “The transport industry offers an exciting range of jobs and prospects for men and women of all ages. All contribute to the essential task of delivering the goods on which the whole nation relies every day. The greatest asset of any service business is its personnel, and competition in the overall jobs market means that we must find novel and innovative rewards packages to attract and retain the best people. 'Better Balance, Better Business' is designed to consider how to achieve that.” “Both FTA and Skills for Logistics are keen to encourage an audience of both men and women to this event as the topics discussed are relevant to anyone involved in dealing with HR issues across the sector. At previous Women in Transport events the audience has been predominantly female, although the invitation had been extended to men, and at the ‘Better Balance, Better Business’ event this year it is more important than ever to raise the awareness of these workplace issues to a more balanced audience rather than preach to the converted,” added Ian Hetherington, Chief Executive, Skills for Logistics. When: 11am on 15 October 2007 Where: 1 Great George Street, Westminster, London How: To reserve your place please call FTA’s Member Service Centre on 08717 11 22 22 or e-mail memberservices@fta.co.uk.