Two-thirds of our workforce ‘love’ their jobs in logistics. So says the latest revealing report ‘Driving Employment Growth Within the UK’s Logistics Sector’, published by Prologis last month. This is just one of a number of positive research findings likely to put a smile on the face of those of us who feel optimistic about our sector, despite the challenges.
Prologis has been conducting research on a four-yearly cycle since 2006, and some of the changes their latest survey identifies make interesting reading. For example, the rise of automation and robotics has transformed the type of employment and distribution of job roles. Yet far from ousting humans, in warehousing the staffing ratio – measured as workers per square foot – has actually increased over the same period. Evidently, the overall effect of automation and robotics in warehouses is to support more jobs and offer better prospects for employees.
On skills, the report found that logistics jobs provide excellent social mobility opportunities for those with limited qualifications to access employment, obtain training and get promoted. While analysis by Frontier Economics in 2022 showed that most logistics managers do not hold a university degree or equivalent qualification, there are nevertheless increasing openings for those well-educated in engineering, technology and finance. Launched in 2020, the Supply Chain Management degree apprenticeship at Aston University exemplifies how to combine on-the-job learning and academic excellence, for a successful career in business leadership.
Another misconception challenged by Prologis’s findings is the sector’s reputation for offering low-paid employment. A quantitative study commissioned especially for this report found that both full-time and part-time earnings are above the UK’s average salary. They quote a median full-time salary of £35,000 in logistics; over ten percent higher than the equivalent cross-sector rate of £31,461.
More women than ever are coming into logistics and supply chain too, including at the most senior level. Women now represent almost 40% of our workforce. And whilst 76% of female respondents cited the sector’s flexible working hours and conditions as a benefit, employers are increasingly realising that balance is important for both women and men, whether they have caring duties or are simply seeking a more sustainable lifestyle.
With only 7% of young adults indicating that they would consider a career in logistics and 67% incorrectly perceiving salaries to be lower than other industries, we still have our work cut out. The Generation Logistics campaign, jointly funded by Government and Industry, uses fun, interactive resources to help inform, educate and engage the next generation of talent. Now this new report furnishes us with even more positive facts and figures, stating that 66% of young people who work in logistics believe there are abundant opportunities for career growth.
This is good news indeed – and it is up to all of us to spread the word!
Clare Bottle
UKWA, CEO
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