UK Job Market Expansion: Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) Reports Increase in New Job Openings in the UK
In a notable shift, several driving and logistics roles have dominated the top 10 fastest-growing job postings, according to the latest data. This surge in demand is primarily attributed to strong demand across supply chains, a "small burst of hiring," and ongoing investment in new vehicle technologies and fleet management amid decarbonisation efforts.
The top 10 new job postings that saw the highest increase when comparing January to June 2024 to January to June 2025 include Business Sales Executives (+53.10%), Other Drivers and Transport Operatives n.e.c. (+52.40%), Mobile Machine Drivers and Operatives n.e.c. (+51.90%), Dental Practitioners (+38.10%), Collector Salespersons and Credit Agents (+36.60%), Early Education and Childcare Services Proprietors (+35.1%), and Road Transport Drivers n.e.c. (+22.6%).
The increase in job postings in the UK's transport and logistics sector is not limited to the national level. Regional growth in job postings, such as in London and the East Midlands, reflects localized industry strength and demand. Skill shortages in the sector are driving recruitment needs, with businesses continuing cautious investment to support this growth.
Economic factors contributing to this rise include the transport and logistics sector's significant contribution to the UK economy (£170bn in 2024) and its role in supporting trade, especially given recent trade agreements with the US, India, and the EU, which promise to boost trade volumes if the logistics network can support these relationships effectively.
The implications of the increased transport and logistics hiring for the wider UK economy are far-reaching. Enhanced supply chain resilience and efficiency, vital for supporting export and import activities, underpin GDP growth expected at 1.2% in 2025. Potential easing of skills shortages through increased recruitment could improve service levels and reduce bottlenecks in goods movement.
Moreover, the trend supports growth opportunities from new trade agreements, provided the logistics sector can maintain a suitably skilled workforce and infrastructural capacity. Positive ripple effects on related sectors such as retail and manufacturing could further stimulate employment and economic activity.
On the other hand, the Health and Social Care sector has experienced a 1.1% decrease in job postings from May 2025 to June 2025. At the other end of the scale, job postings declined most sharply for Actors, Entertainers and Presenters (-52.2%), Delivery Operatives (-57.5%), and Stock Control Clerks and Assistants (-57.8%).
Train and Tram Drivers saw the biggest growth at +133.7% comparing the first half of 2025 to the same six-month period in 2024. The latest Labour Market Tracker six-month update shows a striking rise in demand for transport and logistics professionals. There were over 100,000 driving and logistics roles posted in June 2025, a 6.9% increase from May 2025.
Roles with the biggest increase in the Driving and Logistics sector were Train and Tram Drivers (50.7%), Managers in Logistics (24.5%), and Road Transport Drivers n.e.c. (22.6%). Additionally, job postings for Stonemasons and Related Trades were also far higher in the first six months of 2025 compared to the first six months of 2024 (+63.9%).
In summary, the rise in transport and logistics job postings reflects robust demand driven by supply chain needs, sector investments, trade opportunities, and efforts to address ongoing skills gaps. This trend supports economic growth by strengthening critical infrastructure for trade and domestic commerce.
The surge in demand for transport and logistics roles extends beyond specific job titles, with an increased focus on enhancing the efficiency of supply chains and supporting trade.
This expansion in the transport and logistics sector may encourage spin-off growth opportunities in related sectors, such as retail and manufacturing.
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