Policy & Influence
UKWA are committed to providing a voice for the sector and to represent members’ interests to policymakers.
UKWA: The Voice of Warehousing
UKWA are the leading trade association for the warehousing
sector in the UK. We remain committed to providing a voice for the industry, and to represent UKWA members’ interests and concerns to policymakers.
UKWA’s policy positions are formed through engagement and consultation with our members, including via our Advisory Boards.
The UKWA Policy & Public Affairs Team then communicates these positions to policymakers and government departments across the UK, ensuring they understand the challenges faced by the sector and how to address them.
Policy in Action: Recent Contributions
As the voice of the warehousing sector, we actively contribute to a wide range of government consultations. Our latest work includes:
Here's a look back at some of our key contributions from 2024 which continue to shape policy today:
The Application of Zero-Hours Contracts Measures to Agency Workers - Consultation Response (Dec 2024)
The UK government is seeking input on extending new protections against one-sided flexibility in zero-hours contracts to agency workers. These protections include the right to guaranteed hours that reflect the number regularly worked and reasonable notice of shifts, with compensation for shifts cancelled or shortened at short notice. The consultation aims to gather stakeholder views to inform the legislative approach for agency workers, acknowledging the unique dynamics of agency employment.
Click here to read UKWA’s response.
Invest 2035: The UK's Modern Industrial Strategy - Consultation Response (Nov 2024)
The industrial strategy is the UK government’s proposed 10-year plan for the economy. It aims to deliver the certainty and stability businesses need to invest in the high-growth sectors and drive long-term economic growth.
Click here to read UKWA’s views on Invest 2035: The UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy proposal.
Grey Belt in England - Consultation Response (Oct 2024)
This short inquiry seeks to gain a better understanding of what Grey Belt land is, how it can contribute to housing targets and what sustainable Grey Belt development looks like.
Click here to read UKWA’s consultation response to the House of Lords Built Environment Committee regarding Grey Belt in England.
Regional Energy Strategic Plan (RESP) Policy Framework - Consultation Response (Oct 2024)
The Regional Energy Strategic Plan (RESP) will enable the coordinated development of the energy system across multiple vectors, provide confidence in system requirements and enable network infrastructure investment ahead of need.
The consultation sought input from stakeholders on three primary areas; RESP building blocks, regional governance and boundaries.
Click here to read UKWA’s consultation response to the RESP policy framework.
Proposed reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework - Consultation Response (Sept 2024)
This consultation sought views on the proposed approach to revising the National Planning Policy Framework in order to achieve sustainable growth in the planning system. The consultation also sought views on a series of wider policy proposals in relation to increasing planning fees, local plan intervention criteria and appropriate thresholds for certain Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects.
Click here to read UKWA’s consultation response to the proposed reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework.
Autumn Budget Submission (Sept 2024)
Our Autumn Budget submission was aimed at supporting our members and helping the Government deliver its missions.
Click here to read our letter to the Chancellor.
Industrial Land and Uses London Plan Guidance (LPG) - Consultation Response (Feb 2024)
Industrial land plays a vital role in supporting London’s economy, infrastructure and the way we live. Changes in the way we live and shop have increased competition for industrial land, and demand is increasing for modern and accessible workplaces with a focus on sustainability and efficient use of land.
However, the London Industrial Land Supply(External link) (LILS) study showed that between 2001 and 2020, the industrial land stock has declined by 18 per cent or 1,500 hectares, largely to accommodate housing. It also found increasingly low levels of vacant industrial land, making it harder to find space for industrial uses.
In response to the above and relevant changes to planning regulations, the London Plan Guidance was drafted to help to ensure that sufficient industrial space that is fit-for-purpose is planned for.
Click here to read UKWA’s consultation response on the draft Industrial Land and Uses London Plan Guidance (LPG).
Spring Budget Submission (Jan 2024)
Our Spring Budget submission was aimed at supporting our members and helping the Government deliver its missions.
Click here to read our letter to the Chancellor.
During National Apprenticeship Week 2026, we launched our new Skills Policy Paper. It sets out the growing skills challenges facing the warehousing sector and presents four practical, affordable reforms designed to strengthen productivity and support our members.
Read more about the UKWA Skills Policy Paper 2026.
UKWA Advisory Boards
UKWA has five Advisory Boards, each designed to reflect a key policy area relevant to the warehousing sector.
Our Advisory Boards are member-led and facilitate a regular dialogue between UKWA members and the Policy & Public Affairs team; meeting quarterly to identify industry trends, provide best-practice, insights and knowledge, and directly contribute to our engagement with policymakers.
