UK Driving & Industrial Recruitment Update 2025: Why Demand for Drivers and Warehouse Staff Is Surging

E-commerce growth is back — and the UK logistics sector is under pressure

After a turbulent few years, UK e-commerce volumes are climbing again in 2025, and the impact is being felt across the entire logistics and industrial supply chain. From national distribution centres to regional transport hubs, driver availability, warehouse staffing, and operational capacity are tightening fast.

For employers, this means one thing:
competition for skilled drivers and industrial staff has intensified, particularly across specialist and regulated roles.

At Strong Group, we work closely with logistics operators, manufacturers, and distribution businesses nationwide. This is what we’re seeing — and what it means for hiring in 2025.

What’s driving the 2025 logistics recruitment surge?

Several converging factors are accelerating demand across the driving and industrial sectors:

1. E-commerce volumes are rebounding faster than expected

Online retail growth has stabilised and is now climbing again, driven by:

• Faster delivery expectations

• Continued consumer reliance on home delivery

• Increased use of regional fulfilment center’s

This has led to higher freight movement, tighter delivery schedules, and greater strain on driver rotas.

2. Driver supply hasn’t recovered at the same pace

While demand has surged, driver availability remains restricted, particularly for:

• Experienced HGV drivers

• Drivers with specialist tickets

• Multi-drop and time-critical delivery roles

Retirements, career changes post-pandemic, and reduced new entrant numbers continue to limit supply — especially at Class 1 and Class 2 level.

3. Compliance and regulation are narrowing the talent pool

Ongoing regulatory pressures mean fewer candidates meet full compliance requirements, particularly in roles involving:

• ADR (dangerous goods)

• HIAB operation

• CPC and licence renewals

• Health & safety-critical industrial environments

This has increased reliance on fully vetted, work-ready professionals rather than training-dependent hires.

Roles in highest demand across the UK (2025)

The strongest hiring activity we’re seeing nationally includes:

🚛 HGV Drivers

• Class 1 (C+E) – trunking, depot-to-depot, long haul

• Class 2 (C) – multi-drop, retail and regional distribution

• HIAB drivers – construction, builders’ merchants, specialist loads

• ADR drivers – fuel, chemicals, controlled goods

🏭 Industrial & Warehouse Staff

• Warehouse operatives (pick/pack, despatch, goods-in)

• Forklift drivers (Counterbalance, Reach, VNA)

• Loaders and yard operatives

• Shift-based industrial staff for 24/7 operations

Across both sectors, attendance, reliability, and immediate availability are now as important as experience.

Why employers are struggling to hire — even with competitive rates

Despite rising pay rates in many regions, businesses are still facing hiring challenges due to:

• Candidate shortages in specialist roles

• Increased competition between employers

• Last-minute cover requirements

• Rising attrition during peak periods

• Limited access to compliant, pre-screened workers

In short, money alone isn’t solving the problem. Speed, reliability, and access to proven talent pools now matter more than ever.

What successful employers are doing differently in 2025

The logistics businesses coping best with demand spikes are:

• Planning staffing earlier for peak periods

• Using specialist recruitment partners, not generalist agencies

• Prioritising compliance and right-to-work checks upfront

• Offering consistent shift patterns where possible

• Building long-term relationships with reliable temporary workers

This approach reduces last-minute gaps and improves retention — especially in high-pressure environments.

How Strong Group supports driving & industrial hiring

At Strong Group, we specialise in UK driving and industrial recruitment, supplying both temporary and permanent staff nationwide.

We support employers with:

• Fully compliant HGV drivers (Class 1, Class 2, HIAB, ADR)

• Industrial and warehouse staffing at scale

• Rapid response for urgent cover

• Pre-screened, work-ready candidates

• Clear communication and honest market advice

Whether you’re managing seasonal peaks, expanding operations, or struggling with ongoing shortages, we understand the realities of the 2025 logistics market — and how to navigate them.

Looking ahead: what to expect for the rest of 2025

Demand is unlikely to ease in the short term. With:

• Continued e-commerce growth

• Infrastructure and construction-linked logistics demand

• Ongoing driver shortages

competition for skilled driving and industrial talent will remain high.

Employers who act early, partner smartly, and stay flexible will be best positioned to secure the workforce they need.

Need support with drivers or industrial staffing?

If you’re hiring across HGV driving, warehouse, or industrial roles, speak to Strong Group today for a realistic view of the market — and access to candidates who are ready to work.