The UK’s retail supply chain is the best in the world. We have one of the biggest digital economies, and same-day delivery is fairly commonplace.

Yet in 2016 the industry has faced a barrage of criticism. Sports Direct, Asos and now JD Sports have hit the headlines for the wrong reasons – for the alleged poor treatment of the workers who help get goods to shoppers and stores.

It’s spreading like contagion and I’m sure more horror stories are yet to emerge.

If 2016 was the supply chain industry’s annus horribilis, then all involved need to make a new year’s resolution to change this in 2017.

All too often there is a disconnect between retail warehouses and head offices. There is a feeling of us and them. All retail leaders should commit to changing this.

We need to listen to the warehouse workers who are vital cogs in retail’s well-oiled machine. What can improve working conditions and morale? Greater pay? Contracts that improve job security? Added perks?

“We need to make sure they are treated with the same respect as those who work in head office”

We also need to hold to account the recruitment agencies that hire our staff and warehouse management companies that help run our operations.

Temporary or permanent, agency or in-house, these staff represent our brands – we need to make sure they are treated with the same respect as those who work in head office.

Good news stories

And we need to make sure that all the positive stories coming from retail’s supply chains are heard as well as the horror stories.

The UK is stimulating much innovation and excitement in supply chain – from super-speedy delivery to world-beating automation.

Let’s hear about it and make the UK’s supply chain industry celebrated once again.

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