Logistics jobs, Talent shortages, and Covid-19

Logistics jobs and the skills shortage

Logistics jobs are on the rise. With roles ranging from facilities managers to freight co-ordinators, there is no shortage of roles to choose from.

The Logistics sector is under pressure due to a skills shortage:

• 8% of young people think the logistics industry has attractive career prospects, and
• 42% don’t know what work is done by the logistics industry.

Not many younger people are taking up jobs in the logistics industry:

• 9% of the current workforce is aged under 25, and
• 45% of the current workforce is over 45 (Commercial Fleet)

The pandemic has helped to highlight what a crucial role the logistics industry plays in the UK. This along with educating at school level about the opportunities in the logistics industry will hopefully help to future proof the industry.

Employers need to consider how they can attract a more diverse pool of employees and how their hiring practices need to be altered to do so.

#LogisticsHelpsLogistics

The Policy Director of The Freight Transport Association has commented “The public is relying on the logistics sector to keep supermarkets and essential retailers stocked with food, medicines, hygiene products and other basic items throughout the pandemic.”

The hashtag #LogisticsHelpsLogistics was created to help the industry work together to navigate through the coronavirus pandemic. It is also a place to advertise vacancies as demand for logistics roles increase. (fta Leading UK Logistics)

The surge in demand for Logistics jobs

Research from Totaljobs and British Chambers of Commerce found that the industries with the biggest recruitment demand during the COVID-19 pandemic are logistics and IT.

Totaljobs CEO John Wilson has commented that “up to a million workers could find themselves displaced by the outbreak of Covid-19, for many, this presents the opportunity to find work within industries such as logistics, IT, social care, farming and agriculture and more” (Insider).

This would mean reskilling for a lot of people, however, the employment opportunities arising may mean that this is a smart move.

Many new roles have been appearing during the pandemic:

• Totaljobs has revealed that 5,208 logistics roles have been advertised per week in March 2020 (an 8% uplift from the average week in January and February) (edelivery).
• Dixons Carphone online sales recently increased by more than 70%. (Fleetpoint)
• Domino’s created 6,000 new roles
• G’s Fresh created 2,500 roles including bus drivers and quality assurance staff
• OCADO created 3,000 roles to support its logistics operations
• Yodel created 500 courier and delivery driver partner roles (SUNEMPLOYMENT)
• 68,000 new roles for warehouse operations and driving went on Totaljobs. This was one-third of the total roles available on the site. (Insider)
• In late March 2020 on LinkedIn, there were 10,628 results for the search “warehouse worker”.
• LinkedIn searches for “warehouse manager” with Aldi, Ocado, and Amazon had 2,951 results. (edelivery)

The impact of lockdown on Logistics Jobs

The Covid-19 pandemic had a huge impact on the industry and the jobs available.

The Warehouse Association commented that its members were “looking down the abyss of no information from the government”. They are facing full capacity, an inability to move stock, unpaid customer bills, and a skills shortage.  (Institute of Export)

Whilst many companies have struggled, others such as DPD have recently invested £200 million in vehicles, depots, driver devices. The pandemic has led to an increase in online shopping and therefore business for companies such as DPD.

The logistics industry is growing and a new generation of workers must be shown how rewarding and exciting a career in logistics could be.

If you want to know more…

Social media usage has grown by over four times due to the pandemic. Now more than ever, you need to be reaching candidates where they spend most of their time. On social media.

Socially Recruited has worked with thousands of different businesses across the UK and overseas. Businesses must have access to advice and support at these challenging times.

For further information or to trial the service, please contact Marc on the details below.

Marc Voigt

Social Media and Recruitment Specialist

0203 327 0304

marc@sociallyrecruited.com

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