Forklift Driver Jobs in the UK for Foreign Workers (2026) – Estimated Salary £22,000–£32,000/year

The UK logistics, warehousing, and manufacturing sectors are the backbone of the country’s supply chain. From supermarkets and e-commerce giants to ports, factories, and distribution hubs, forklift drivers play a critical role in keeping goods moving efficiently and safely.

As the UK continues to experience labour shortages following Brexit, an ageing workforce, and growing demand from online retail, forklift driver jobs in the UK remain in steady demand heading into 2026.

Overview of Forklift Driver Jobs in the UK (2026)

Forklift drivers are responsible for operating industrial vehicles used to move, lift, stack, and transport goods within warehouses, factories, ports, and construction-related sites.

Common industries employing forklift drivers include:

• Warehousing and logistics
• Retail distribution centres
• Manufacturing and production plants
• Ports and freight terminals
• Food processing and cold storage
• Construction supply yards

Because forklifts are essential to daily operations, qualified drivers are consistently in demand across the UK.

Why the UK Needs Forklift Drivers from Overseas

The UK’s reliance on foreign workers in logistics has grown due to several factors:

• Reduced EU labour supply post-Brexit
• Expansion of e-commerce and next-day delivery services
• Growth in large-scale distribution centres
• High turnover in physically demanding roles
• Increased health and safety compliance requirements

While forklift driving is not a shortage occupation in the same way as healthcare, experienced and certified drivers remain employable, especially through recruitment agencies and large employers.

What Does a Forklift Driver Do?

Forklift drivers handle goods safely and efficiently within industrial environments.

Typical Duties Include:

• Loading and unloading goods from vehicles
• Moving pallets and materials within warehouses
• Stacking items in racking systems
• Transporting goods to production or dispatch areas
• Conducting daily equipment safety checks
• Following health and safety procedures
• Reporting damaged goods or equipment issues

Accuracy, safety awareness, and reliability are essential in this role.

Types of Forklift Driver Jobs in the UK

Counterbalance Forklift Driver

• Most common type
• Used for loading/unloading lorries
• Suitable for general warehouse work

Reach Truck Driver

• Operates in narrow aisles
• Common in large distribution centres
• Often pays slightly higher

Very Narrow Aisle (VNA) Driver

• Requires advanced certification
• Used in high-density warehouses
• Higher responsibility and pay

Side Loader or Specialized Forklifts

• Used for long or bulky materials
• Requires specific training

Drivers with multiple licences generally have better job prospects and higher pay.

Estimated Salary for Forklift Drivers in the UK (2026)

Forklift driver salaries vary depending on location, experience, shift patterns, and forklift type.

Average Annual Salary Range

Experience Level	Estimated Salary
Entry-Level	£22,000 – £25,000
Experienced Driver	£25,000 – £29,000
Multi-Licensed / Specialist	£28,000 – £32,000
Night or Shift-Based Roles	Up to £34,000 (with premiums)

Note: Salaries in London and the South East are often higher, but living costs are also significantly higher.

Hourly Pay Equivalent

• £11.50 – £15.50 per hour
• Night shifts may attract a 10–25% premium
• Overtime can significantly boost earnings

Working Hours and Shift Patterns

Forklift drivers typically work:

• 37.5 to 48 hours per week
• Day, evening, or night shifts
• Rotating or fixed shift schedules
• Weekend shifts in busy warehouses

Peak seasons (e.g., Christmas, Black Friday) often provide extra overtime opportunities.

Requirements for Foreign Workers

Basic Job Requirements

Most UK employers expect:

• Legal right to work in the UK
• Valid forklift licence (UK-recognised)
• Good physical fitness
• Basic English communication skills
• Understanding of health and safety rules

Formal education is usually not required.

Forklift Licence Requirements in the UK

To work legally as a forklift driver, you must hold a recognised UK forklift certificate.

Approved Training Bodies Include:

• RTITB
• ITSSAR
• AITT
• NPORS

Foreign forklift licences are not automatically accepted. Most overseas drivers must:

• Retrain in the UK
• Pass a UK-approved forklift course
• Complete a practical and theory test

This is a critical step for foreign workers.

English Language Expectations

Forklift drivers must be able to:

• Understand safety instructions
• Communicate with supervisors
• Read signage and warehouse systems

Fluent English is not required, but basic workplace communication is essential for safety.

Visa Options for Forklift Driver Jobs in the UK (2026)

Visa eligibility is often the biggest challenge.

Skilled Worker Visa – Limited Applicability

Most forklift driver roles do not qualify for the Skilled Worker visa because they are considered lower-skilled roles.

However, exceptions may exist when:

• Combined with supervisory duties
• Part of specialised logistics operations
• Offered by licensed sponsors in shortage contexts

Other Legal Pathways into Forklift Work

Most foreign forklift drivers work in the UK through:

Existing UK Work Rights

• Graduate visa
• Student visa (part-time limits apply)
• Family visa
• Refugee or humanitarian status

Forklift driving is often a job people move into after already being in the UK legally.

Can UK Employers Sponsor Forklift Drivers?

In most cases, employer sponsorship for forklift drivers is rare.

Employers are more likely to sponsor:

• Skilled trades
• Healthcare workers
• Engineers and IT professionals

Forklift driving is generally accessible only after securing legal UK work status through other routes.

Benefits of Forklift Driver Jobs in the UK

Despite visa limitations, forklift work offers several advantages.

Key Benefits:

• Steady demand across multiple industries
• Competitive wages for non-graduate roles
• Overtime and shift premiums
• Entry point into logistics and warehousing careers
• Transferable skills across employers
• Opportunity to progress into supervisory roles

Many workers build long-term careers in logistics.

Cost of Living Considerations

Forklift driver wages should be evaluated against UK living costs.

Estimated Monthly Expenses (Shared Accommodation)

Expense	Average Cost
Rent	£400 – £800
Food	£150 – £250
Transport	£80 – £150
Utilities	£60 – £120

Living outside London often provides a better balance between income and expenses.

How to Find Legitimate Forklift Driver Jobs

Trusted Job Search Channels:

• UK government “Find a Job” portal
• Reputable recruitment agencies
• Large logistics company career pages
• Industrial job boards

Documents You Will Need

• Valid passport
• Proof of right to work
• UK-recognised forklift certificate
• National Insurance Number
• Bank account for salary payments

Employers are legally required to verify all documents.

Career Progression Opportunities

Forklift drivers can progress into:

• Warehouse team leader roles
• Logistics supervisor positions
• Inventory controller roles
• Health and safety coordinator roles
• Transport and supply chain careers

Experience and reliability are highly valued in UK logistics.

Tips to Improve Your Chances as a Foreign Worker

• Obtain multiple forklift licences (counterbalance + reach)
• Maintain a strong safety record
• Be flexible with shifts and locations
• Improve workplace English
• Gain UK warehouse experience through agencies

Consistency often leads to better roles and pay.

Conclusion

For foreign workers seeking practical employment, stable income, and entry into the UK logistics sector, forklift driver jobs remain a realistic option in 2026—provided visa realities are clearly understood.

These roles are not immigration shortcuts, but they can:

• Provide annual earnings of £22,000–£32,000
• Offer steady work across industries
• Build valuable UK work experience
• Open doors to supervisory and logistics careers

Success depends on legal work status, proper certification, and realistic expectations.