UK's logistics industry experiences growth: Employment in the sector increases by 9% in the year 2025
In the first half of 2025, the logistics sector in the UK has seen a significant surge, with driver roles dominating the most in-demand positions. This growth is largely driven by e-commerce expansion and rising consumer expectations, as reported by CV-Library, the UK's largest independent job site.
The top 10 most in-demand logistics roles nationwide are as follows:
1. Class 2 Driver - Average Salary: £30,152, Vacancy Growth Q1 to Q2 2025: 40% 2. Class 1 Driver - Average Salary: £39,786, Vacancy Growth Q1 to Q2 2025: 54% 3. HGV Driver - Average Salary: £40,327, Vacancy Growth Q1 to Q2 2025: 33% (tied with Delivery Driver) 4. Delivery Driver - Average Salary: £40,327, Vacancy Growth Q1 to Q2 2025: 33% (tied with HGV Driver) 5. HGV Class 1 Driver - Average Salary: £39,132, Vacancy Growth Q1 to Q2 2025: 32% 6. HGV Class 2 Driver - Average Salary: £35,413, Vacancy Growth Q1 to Q2 2025: 25% 7. HGV Technician - Average Salary: £48,268, Vacancy Growth Q1 to Q2 2025: 18% 8. HGV 1 Driver - Average Salary: £39,132, Vacancy Growth Q1 to Q2 2025: 14% 9. 7.5 Tonne Driver - Average Salary: £32,142, Vacancy Growth Q1 to Q2 2025: 7% 10. Forklift Driver - Average Salary: £28,497, Vacancy Growth Q1 to Q2 2025: 21%
Drivers make up 90% of these top vacancies, underlining their critical role within logistics growth in the UK. The largest growth was seen in roles offering salaries between £20,000 and £40,000, with a 20% quarter-on-quarter increase in 2025.
The average vacancy growth rate for the top 20 logistics roles was 12% from Q1 to Q2 2025, signalling a sector boom. Notably, the HGV Driver role has seen a 27% increase in vacancies, while the HGV Class 1 Driver role has witnessed more than a 50% rise from Q1 to Q2 2025.
The overall logistics sector experienced an average vacancy growth of 15% from Q1 to Q2 2025, well above the 3% national average across jobs, signaling a booming industry. This growth is further supported by positive underlying economic conditions, as the UK GDP grew by 0.7% in February to April 2025, with services output up 1.3%.
Amazon's £40 billion investment in new fulfilment centres and delivery stations in the UK is another factor contributing to the surge in logistics roles.
Lee Biggins, CEO of CV-Library, commented on the logistics and warehousing sector boom and its impact on employment nationwide. He stated, "The logistics and warehousing sector is bucking the trend, showing significant growth in a challenging economy."
This data highlights where career opportunities and recruitment challenges are most acute in UK logistics for mid-2025, particularly benefiting skilled driving professionals and related technician roles.
- Despite the sports sector not being directly mentioned, the growth in the logistics sector, particularly in driving roles, could potentially impact the sports industry, as increased logistics efficiency might enhance the delivery of sports equipment.
- The growth in the demand for HGV Drivers, with a 27% increase in vacancies, could suggest a corresponding growth in sports-related deliveries, considering HGV Drivers often transport goods over long distances.
