Upload your CV Payslip Login & Helpful Links
Upload your CV Payslip Login & Helpful Links
What are a Forklift Driver's Job Responsibilities?

A forklift driver works in warehouses, distribution centres, and industrial sites, ensuring goods are transported safely and efficiently. Key tasks include loading and unloading deliveries, transporting materials, and organising stock. Safety, accuracy, and time management are crucial in this role. Many businesses depend on forklift drivers to keep operations running smoothly.

Forklift Driver’s Key Tasks:

  • Safely stacking and transporting large quantities of goods between storage and loading areas in a safe manner.
  • Managing stock and inventory levels
  • Inspecting forklifts and ensuring routine maintenance is carried out.
  • Operating various equipment, including counterbalance and reach forklifts, pallet jacks, and cherry pickers
  • Following health and safety regulations
  • Assisting with general warehouse tasks
  • General help around the warehouse
What are a Forklift Driver's Job Responsibilities?
Forklift Driver Essential Skills

To work as a forklift driver in the UK, you need a forklift licence, such as an RTITB or ITSSAR certification, which ensures you can operate equipment safely. Some employers provide training, while others may require previous experience. Most employers look for at least two years of warehouse experience along with an in-date forklift licence, including:

  • Counterbalance
  • Reach Truck
  • Bendi/Flexi Truck

Other key skills for a forklift role include:

  • Good hand-eye coordination and spatial awareness
  • Strong attention to detail
  • Ability to follow safety regulations
  • Basic numeracy skills for stock management
  • Physical fitness due to the manual labour involved.
Forklift Driver Essential Skills
Forklift Driver Typical Work Environment

Forklift drivers work in warehouses, factories, construction sites, and storage facilities. Shifts can vary, including nights and weekends, depending on business needs. Work environments may include cold storage areas or outdoor loading docks. In warehouses, they help manage stock, load goods onto lorries, and maintain efficient storage systems. In manufacturing, they move raw materials and finished products between production areas.

Forklift Driver Typical Work Environment
Forklift Driver Career Progression

Many forklift drivers progress to supervisory roles, such as warehouse team leader or logistics coordinator. With further experience and training, some move into transport management, health and safety roles, or other specialised areas like heavy machinery operation. Gaining additional forklift licences for different truck types can also open up new opportunities.

Forklift Driver Career Progression
Forklift Driver Job Vacancies in Essex and Suffolk
We regularly recruit for forklift driver roles across Essex and Suffolk. Whether you're newly qualified or have years of experience, we have opportunities to suit different skill levels.
Temporary Woodshop Labourer

We are currently recruiting for a hardworking and reliable Woodshop Labourer to join a busy manufacturing business on the outskirts of Maldon, Essex.

£12.71 p/h
Maldon, Essex
Warehouse
On-site
Job ref: SK/HQ061_1783526705 View
Permanent Quality Engineer

Quality Engineer opportunity with an established manufacturer. Apply your materials testing and quality expertise to support compliance, testing and continuous improvement.

£29,000 - £35,000 p/a
Colchester, Essex
Depending on experience
Engineering
On-site
Job ref: 96856_1783524604 View
Permanent Sheet Metal Worker

An aerospace component manufacturer based in Basildon are looking for a Sheet Metal Worker to join their team on a 4 day shift.

£35,000 - £37,700.51 p/a
Basildon, Essex
Engineering
On-site
Job ref: 96853_1783514553 View
Permanent Area Sales Representative

Seeking a driven bilingual Area Sales Representative to grow export sales across Poland & CEE, win new business, develop distributors, and build lasting customer relationships.

Negotiable
Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk
Negotiable
Office & Administration
On-site
Job ref: 96836_1783505779 View
Temporary Forklift Driver

We are currently recruiting for a Flexi Forklift Driver to join a busy and growing business based in Maldon, Essex.

£12.71 - £13.80 p/h
Maldon, Essex
Warehouse
On-site
Job ref: SK/HQ060_1783439622 View
Temporary HR Manager

Temporary HR Manager required for a 3-month contract across Benfleet and Grays. Lead strategic HR, employee relations, change management and workforce planning.

Negotiable
Grays, Essex
Negotiable
Office & Administration
On-site
Job ref: 96854_1783439218 View
Temporary Warehouse Operative

We are currently recruiting for a Warehouse Operative to join a busy and growing business based in Maldon, Essex.

£12.71 p/h
Maldon, Essex
Warehouse
On-site
Job ref: SK/HQ059_1783438830 View
Permanent Quality Inspector

We have a great opportunity to work nights as a Quality Inspector. The ideal candidate will have aerospace industry experience.

£36,000 - £50,000 p/a
Basildon, Essex
Engineering
On-site
Job ref: 96852_1783437509 View
View all jobs
FAQs About Forklift Driver Jobs
What skills and experience do I need?

Most employers require at least two years of warehouse experience and a valid forklift licence. Physical fitness, teamwork skills, and attention to detail are also important.

How much does a forklift driver earn in Essex and Suffolk?

Salaries vary based on experience, location, and industry, but typically range from £12.21 to £14.00 per hour for day shifts. Overtime and night shifts may offer higher pay rates.

What are the working hours for a forklift driver?

Shift patterns vary, but roles often include early morning, evening, and weekend shifts. Some roles involve rotating shifts such as 4 days on and 4 days off, nightshifts and overtime options are also common.

Is forklift driving a physically demanding job?

Yes, while a large part of the job involves operating a forklift, it’s not just about sitting down and driving. You’ll often be on your feet for long periods, moving between different warehouse or site areas. The job may also include loading and unloading goods, manually handling stock, and working in environments that could be cold, hot, or dusty. Stamina and good physical fitness are useful, especially in busy or large-scale operations.

How do I get a forklift licence?

To operate a forklift in the UK, you need to complete training with an accredited provider. The main governing bodies for forklift training are RTITB (Road Transport Industry Training Board), ITSSAR (Independent Training Standards Scheme and Register), AITT (Association of Industrial Truck Trainers), and NPORS (National Plant Operators Registration Scheme). These organisations ensure training meets industry safety standards.

The process includes classroom-based learning, practical training, and an assessment. Once you pass, you'll receive a certificate proving you are qualified to operate specific types of forklifts. Some employers provide training as part of the job, while others require a valid license before hiring.

What are the safety requirements for forklift drivers?

Forklift drivers must follow strict health and safety guidelines, including wearing protective equipment, completing daily vehicle checks, and adhering to warehouse traffic management systems. The exact requirements will be dependent on the environment and employer policy.

Do you offer permanent or temporary forklift roles?

We offer both permanent and temporary forklift driver positions. Many businesses hire temporary forklift drivers during busy periods, but temp-to-perm opportunities are common too. This means you could start on a temporary contract and move into a permanent role based on your performance and the company’s needs.

Forklift driver warehouse looking for work