Logistics UK: Proper PPE is Key to Inclusive Workplaces

Women in the UK logistics sector face a material, yet often overlooked, supply chain risk: being properly equipped to work safely and productively.

New research highlights a persistent gender gap in personal protective equipment, with 70% of women in operational roles reporting they have been required to wear ill‑fitting workwear.

Logistics UK warns that the shortage of PPE designed specifically for women is far more than a workplace inconvenience.

For a sector that powers the movement of goods across the economy, the implications extend well beyond safety to productivity, attraction and retention, employer brand and long‑term supply chain resilience.

It is a structural barrier that risks undermining efforts to build a diverse, sustainable talent pipeline at a time when labour shortages continue to pressure operations.

According to Logistics UK, the number of women working as road transport drivers has increased by 322% over the past four years, while female representation at the director level across logistics, warehousing and transport has risen by 36%.

Ensuring equipment, standards and procurement keep pace with this progress is now both a business imperative and a leadership accountability.

This shift reflects wider industry efforts to address skills gaps and modernise the workforce. However, gaps in basic operational equipment risk slowing that progress. More than half of the women surveyed, 58%, report feeling uncomfortable in their workwear, while 24% say they feel unsafe.

In operational environments where efficiency and safety are closely linked, poorly fitting PPE can compromise mobility, focus and, ultimately, performance.

Women's workwear is harder to work in

Tim Hyde, Head of Retail Operations at Logistics UK, notes the direct implications for supply chains: “Women fulfil crucial roles in logistics and are a critical part of a sector that ensures the smooth movement of goods around the country.

"Too often, women's workwear is simply produced in smaller sizes of products originally designed for men, which can make it uncomfortable and harder to work in.”

Inadequate PPE creates friction at multiple points in the chain. Workers may avoid using equipment that does not fit, heightening safety risks and increasing the likelihood of disruption.

In high-pressure settings such as warehouses, distribution centres and transport networks, even small inefficiencies can cascade across operations. For senior HR leaders, ensuring fit-for-purpose PPE through specification, procurement and supplier accountability is now a practical, near-term lever to improve safety, performance, engagement and retention.

Tim says the consequences extend beyond the shop floor. “The correct and appropriate clothing is not just a question of comfort and the proper fit, but also safety. If female workers are allocated poor-fitting workwear, they may simply choose not to use it, which effectively means they are being denied appropriate equipment to carry out their jobs safely.”

Logistics grapples to retain talent

As supply chains grow more complex and demand continues to fluctuate, access to a stable and engaged workforce is increasingly a source of competitive advantage.

Yet the industry is still working out how best to attract and retain talent. “The logistics sector is crying out for new talent, but a lack of appropriate workwear has the potential to discourage women from joining what is a fantastic and dynamic sector,” Tim says.

There are clear procurement implications. Sourcing PPE that meets the needs of a diverse workforce requires closer collaboration between logistics operators and suppliers, with specifications, trials and contracts aligned to fit, function and safety for all users.

Tim says change is essential if the sector is to remain competitive. “Women should not have to compromise or make do with clothing that does not fit properly. They deserve access to the very best, size-appropriate workwear.”