New market research by CV-Library shows that logistics and distribution recorded the third sharpest hiring accelerations of any UK sector in Q2 2026.
The sector’s momentum jumped 35.5% from the month of May and 32.5% year-on-year, a clear signal that supply chain hiring is ramping up fast as the UK’s broader hiring rebound looks to take hold.
The number of job postings was up 16.5% quarter-on-quarter (from 65,806 to 76,639) and 17.3% year-on-year – outpacing the UK-wide average growth of 6.7% YoY.
The number of vacancies for Tractor-Trailer Truck Driver roles, one of the UK’s most in-demand logistics titles, rose 20.8% quarter-on-quarter from 25,177 and 10.2% year-on-year to 30,421.
June alone accounted for a 35.4% month-on-month jump (up from 10,244), while UK job postings across all sectors rose 21% in June, taking overall vacancies to their highest level since October 2023.
In CV-Library’s survey of UK employers, 51% said they expect headcount to grow over the next six months.
While average advertised salaries grew just 2.28% year-on-year across the market, 62% of businesses report the overall cost of employing staff has risen over the past year – with the increase in National Insurance cited as the single biggest driver (19%).
CV-Library CEO and founder Lee Biggins said: “After a positive start to the year, with job postings up in January and February, hiring took a hit in the subsequent three months.
“The war in Iran and rising energy and supply chain costs tempered confidence leading to a notable dip in the number of postings. But June has bucked the trend with a significant uptick in the number of job roles advertised – the highest level since October 2023.
“We may be seeing green shoots of confidence, but businesses still face hiring headwinds. More than six in ten businesses say employment costs are rising – driven by National Insurance and other hiring costs.
“Add into the mix the Employment Rights Bill, a shortage of candidates with the right skills and wider economic uncertainty, and we need to be cautious in proclaiming the market has turned.
“But, if June’s uplift in job postings can be sustained going into Q3, and cost pressures ease even a little, we could finally see a longer term up-turn in the job market which will be good news for everyone.”
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