08/06/2023
Research findings published by Prologis UK in a report entitled “Critical Infrastructure: Driving Employment Growth within the UK’s Logistics Sector” has revealed the growing value of the logistics industry to the UK economy. Based on the latest government and industry data, the sector employs over 2 million people, about 7% of the total UK workforce and generates an estimated £139bn of economic value.
The research, first produced in 2006 and updated every four years, shines a light on a dichotomy: whilst it’s a sector which attracts diversity, enhanced benefits and career progression, jobs in the sector are not highly sought after – with only 7% of young adults currently considering a career in the sector.
Yet the research has revealed that two-thirds of logistics workers “love” their jobs. Among the things they value are above-average earnings and strong opportunities for career progression, particularly in an industry where 63% of warehouse managers don’t have a university degree.
Both public and private sector perceptions of logistics sector roles have dropped. During the Covid-19 pandemic, 92% of the population viewed logistics workers positively, a figure which dropped in the latest polling to 80%. Even more starkly, positive perceptions of how workers within the sector feel society views them dropped from 62% during the pandemic to only 27% in 2022.
On diversity, the proportion of women with jobs in the sector is increasing – up 15% from the 2018 figure to 39% in 2022. In their feedback, female respondents cited ‘flexible working’ as an important benefit, in addition to ‘convenient locations’. Furthermore, 12% of employees in the sector are non-native English speakers and 20% of workers were unemployed before beginning their role in the sector.
Robin Woodbridge, Head of Capital Deployment & Leasing at Prologis UK:
“There’s a wealth of opportunity for people in the logistics sector, regardless of background and education. The most significant barrier is a negative perception of jobs in the sector and opportunities for career progression. Many workers start their careers in logistics with little or no prior work experience, and our research demonstrates that there are strong opportunities for career progression.
“Headlines about higher-than-average rates of pay and improving diversity are positive too, but this isn’t necessarily understood by wider society. Jobs in logistics are varied, and the pace of technological advancement in areas like automation, as well as AI and machine learning, are opening up opportunities for career development – this is adding to the sector’s appeal.
“It is great that two-thirds of logistics workers are passionate about their jobs, and I wonder how many other sectors could claim that.”
Further underlining the appeal of jobs in the sector, 63% of 18-34-year-olds said that their job is a long-term career choice. There is proof of this too, as 54% of respondents confirmed that they have been working in the sector for more than a decade.
About Prologis UK’s employment research:
Prologis UK’s employment research is based on a study of 5,614 employees, spread across more than 6 million sq ft of logistics buildings in England. The research was conducted in Q4 2022. The company has been collecting employment data in this way every four years, since 2006.
About the report:
Prologis UK’s report, entitled Driving Employment Growth within the UK’s Logistics Sector, includes details of employment research conducted in 2022, in addition to an analysis of third-party data from across the logistics and supply chain sector, and qualitative interviews with a cross-section of industry stakeholders. The aim of the report is to share insights with and inform decision-makers in the sector.
Original Article: HRnews
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