AS RAIL strikes continue, a University of Bradford professor has spoken of how long-running industrial action is affecting the supply chain.

Dr Kamran Mahroof, Associate Professor of Supply Chain Analytics at the University of Bradford, argued that it is not just passengers who are affected by strikes.

Dr Mahroof added that we are “very much reliant” on rail freight, with it contributing £2.45 billion to the UK economy every year.

He said 8,000 tonnes of food and other goods are transported into Scotland through England by rail every day.

“Our railways provide a vital link in the supply chain,” he said.

“It helped keep food on our tables during lockdown, kept NHS heroes protected with PPE and prevented the country from coming to a standstill by delivering fuel supplies.

“A shortage of HGV drivers in 2020 due to Covid-19 and Brexit, along with rising fuel costs and a drive to cut carbon emissions, have resulted in more companies turning to rail transportation in recent times.”

Dr Mahroof added that rail freight may also offer a healthier alternative.

“When one train replaces approximately 80 trucks on our roads, why wouldn’t companies turn to a more environmentally-friendly transportation solution?” he asked.

“Rail Delivery Group, the British rail membership body, estimates rail freight is cutting Britain’s carbon footprint by preventing seven million HGV journeys every year.

“It’s a more efficient and quicker alternative, using less fuel and taking traffic and road closures out of the equation, while carrying larger volumes over greater distances.”

Dr Mahroof said strikes are creating “complexity and uncertainty”.

“Retailers want to maximise stock and rely on all forms of transport. Cancelling rail freight won’t do us any favours,” he added.

“There will also be the knock-on effect at our ports and distribution centres. Stock is coming in, but if it’s usually moved around by rail, it will pile up, incurring further costs which eventually will be picked up by consumers.

“Look at the current problem with Strep A antibiotics. The Department of Health has said there are enough antibiotics, but many pharmacies are complaining they are unable to get them.

“Medicines like this can be transported in cold-chain containers by rail, but with a disrupted rail network, reverting to road may be the only option. 

“Of course, we will be fine. We’ll carry on and get through this disruption, hopefully only suffering some inconveniences and small price fluctuations. 

“But the longer strikes go on, the more sour a taste it will leave.”