Forecast: Employment in Warehousing and Storage Sector in the UK

Employment in the UK's warehousing and storage sector has shown a varied trend over the past decade. In 2013, employment stood at 133.77 thousand full-time equivalents (FTEs), experiencing significant fluctuations in the following years. For instance, 2015 saw a marked rise of 10.85% to 146.95 thousand FTEs. A notable peak occurred in 2016 with a dramatic 43.22% increase, leading to 210.46 thousand FTEs. However, there were periods of decline with decreases of 8.12% in 2017 and 8.71% in 2018. Post-2018, the sector regained stability with steady increases, reaching 211.42 thousand FTEs in 2023, signifying a stable year-on-year growth rate of 2.51% and a recent 5-year CAGR of 3.67%.

Looking ahead, employment in the sector is forecasted to continue its upward trend, reaching 235.78 thousand FTEs by 2028, with a projected 5-year CAGR of 1.72% and a forecasted overall growth rate of 8.91% over the same period.

Future trends to watch for include the impact of technological advancements and automation on employment levels. Additionally, shifts in consumer behavior, especially towards e-commerce, could further drive demand in the warehousing and storage sector. Economic conditions, regulatory changes, and sustainability initiatives will also play critical roles in shaping employment trends.