Positive 2014 outlook for industry
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By Laura Hailstone
THE JOBS market for the transport industry is looking strong for the first three months of 2014, according to the latest Manpower Employment Outlook survey. Hiring intentions among transport companies are above the national average score of +5% for 01 2014, with a net employment outlook score of +7%
(04 2013: +2%). The quarterly Manpower survey asks employers across nine industry sectors whether they intend to hire additional workers or reduce the size of their workforce in the coming economic quarter. It is used as a key economic statistic by the Bank of England. "We're seeing demand for drivers and other logistics roles across all transport subsectors, and employers are cautiously optimistic that 2014 will be an improved year for jobs in the sector," said Simon Edwards,
Manpower Group sector director — logistics.
The growth in online shopping has led to an increase in category B and 7.5-tonner drivers being sought for home deliveries. "These roles appeal to a more diverse workforce, and are a good route into the logistics sector for those who may not have considered this significant
employment sector," he said.
But, despite the optimism, Manpower claimed there are skills gaps in the sector, which mean employers are finding it difficult to recruit for certain roles.
"This is particularly the case for category 1 and 2 drivers, and roles requiring specialist licences, such as lorry loader and ADR certificates.
"Those who are able to invest in upskilling will stand out from the crowd, particularly in the current market," added Edwards.
Year-on-year, the transport sector has improved its hiring intentions by 10 percentage points compared with 01 2013.
The strongest hiring intentions for the January-March period were reported by the finance and business services sector with a +11% score, closely followed by the utilities sector with +9%.
The bleakest outlook for 01 is in the construction sector with an outlook score of -6%. • To read the survey in full, go to manpowergroup.co.uk/researchinnovation/manpower-employmentoutlook-survey
• Check out cornmercialmotorjobs.com for all the latest jobs in the industry.