The United Kingdom logistics, warehousing, and supply chain sector is under intense pressure as demand for goods continues to rise while the available workforce shrinks. As we head into 2026, one role stands out as both highly in-demand and increasingly open to foreign workers: forklift driver jobs in the UK.
Due to labour shortages caused by Brexit, an ageing workforce, and rapid growth in e-commerce, UK employers are now more willing than ever to recruit foreign forklift drivers
Why the UK Is Hiring Foreign Forklift Drivers in 2026
The UK relies heavily on logistics and warehousing to support:
- Supermarkets and retail chains
- Manufacturing and industrial production
- E-commerce and online shopping
- Ports and international trade
However, the sector faces serious challenges:
- Post-Brexit labour shortages
- Reduced EU worker availability
- Increased demand for faster deliveries
- High staff turnover in manual roles
Forklift drivers are considered critical operational staff, and many employers struggle to recruit enough local workers. This has opened doors for foreign workers with the right skills or willingness to train.
What Does a Forklift Driver Job Involve?
A forklift driver is responsible for safely operating forklift trucks to move, load, and store goods within warehouses, factories, construction sites, or ports.
Typical Forklift Driver Duties
- Operating counterbalance, reach, or pallet trucks
- Loading and unloading deliveries
- Moving goods to storage or dispatch areas
- Stacking pallets safely and efficiently
- Conducting daily equipment safety checks
- Following UK health and safety regulations
- Working with warehouse management systems
Types of Forklift Driver Jobs in the UK
1. Warehouse Forklift Driver
- Distribution centres
- Retail and e-commerce warehouses
- Most common forklift role
2. Manufacturing & Factory Forklift Driver
- Moving raw materials and finished goods
- Often higher pay due to industrial environments
3. Port & Logistics Forklift Driver
- Ports, freight terminals, and depots
- May require additional safety clearances
4. Construction Site Forklift Driver
- Operating telehandlers and rough-terrain forklifts
- Higher hourly rates but stricter requirements
Forklift Driver Salary in the UK (2026)
Forklift driving offers stable and predictable earnings, with opportunities to increase income through overtime and shift work.
Average Annual Salary
- Entry-level forklift drivers: £22,000 – £25,000
- Experienced forklift drivers: £26,000 – £30,000
- Specialised or night-shift drivers: £30,000 – £32,000+
Hourly Pay Breakdown
- £11 – £13/hour (day shifts)
- £14 – £16/hour (night shifts or weekends)
Additional Earnings
- Overtime pay
- Night shift premiums
- Weekend bonuses
- Productivity incentives
While forklift driver salaries may appear modest compared to some professional roles, the low barrier to entry and consistent demand make them financially attractive for newcomers.
Visa Options for Forklift Drivers in the UK
Skilled Worker Visa (Employer Sponsorship)
Forklift driver roles may qualify for the Skilled Worker visa when:
- The employer is a licensed sponsor
- The role meets minimum skill and salary thresholds
- The job description includes logistics or warehouse operative responsibilities
Many logistics companies already hold sponsor licences and actively recruit overseas workers.
Key Benefits
- Legal right to live and work in the UK
- Ability to bring dependents
- Pathway to permanent residence (ILR)
Forklift Licence Requirements in the UK
To work legally as a forklift driver, you must hold a UK-recognised forklift certificate.
Accepted Forklift Certifications
- RTITB
- ITSSAR
- NPORS
- AITT
Can Foreign Licences Be Used?
- Foreign experience is valuable
- Most employers require UK conversion training
- Training usually takes 3–7 days
Many UK employers are willing to support training or certification for reliable foreign workers.
Skills That Increase Your Chances of Being Hired
Employers look beyond just forklift operation.
Highly Valued Skills
- Warehouse or logistics experience
- Health and safety awareness
- Ability to work shifts
- Teamwork and reliability
- Basic English communication
Having experience with reach trucks, counterbalance forklifts, or telehandlers significantly increases employability and pay.
Best UK Regions for Forklift Driver Jobs
England
- Midlands (Birmingham, Leicester, Coventry)
- Manchester and the North West
- London outskirts and logistics hubs
Scotland
- Glasgow
- Edinburgh
- Central Belt distribution centres
Wales & Northern England
- Lower cost of living
- High warehouse concentration
- Less competition for jobs
Regional locations often offer better sponsorship chances and higher savings potential.
Benefits of Forklift Driver Jobs in the UK
Beyond salary, forklift drivers enjoy solid employment benefits.
Key Benefits
- Paid holidays (28 days including public holidays)
- Workplace pension contributions
- National Insurance coverage
- Sick pay (statutory or employer-enhanced)
- Stable, year-round employment
Cost of Living vs Forklift Driver Income
Living costs vary widely across the UK.
Best Places to Save Money
- Midlands
- Northern England
- Wales
- Scotland (outside major cities)
How to Secure a Forklift Driver Job from Abroad
Based on industry hiring trends, here’s what works:
1. Target Licensed Employers
- Large logistics firms
- Warehousing and distribution companies
2. Prepare a UK-Style CV
- Focus on practical experience
- Highlight forklift types operated
- Emphasise safety record
3. Avoid Scams
- Never pay for job offers
- Legitimate employers do not sell visas
Career Progression & Long-Term Opportunities
Forklift driving can be a starting point, not the end.
Career Progression Options
- Senior forklift operator
- Warehouse supervisor
- Logistics coordinator
- Health and safety officer
With experience, many workers transition into better-paid logistics roles.
Permanent Residence (ILR) Pathway
Forklift drivers on sponsored visas may qualify for:
- Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 years
- British citizenship (later stage)
Thousands of settled migrants in the UK began their journey in warehouse and logistics roles.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can foreigners apply for forklift driver jobs in the UK?
Yes. Many UK employers recruit foreign forklift drivers due to labour shortages.
- Do forklift driver jobs offer visa sponsorship?
Some do, especially through licensed sponsors under the Skilled Worker route.
- How much do forklift drivers earn in the UK?
Between £22,000 and £32,000 per year, depending on experience and shifts.
- Is experience mandatory?
Experience helps, but training is available.
Conclusion
From an employment and relocation standpoint, forklift driver jobs are a realistic and achievable opportunity for foreign workers in 2026.
They offer:
- Stable income
- High demand across the UK
- Low barriers to entry
- Potential visa sponsorship
- Long-term settlement possibilities
For skilled, hardworking individuals, forklift driving can be a practical pathway into the UK job market and a foundation for a better future.
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