As the festive season approaches, UK retailers face mounting pressure to meet the surge in demand for timely deliveries. / Credit: CameraCraft

As the festive season approaches, UK shoppers could face delays in receiving their orders due to a critical shortage of delivery drivers.

A recent report by Esendex, based on analysis of over 82,000 job vacancies, highlights significant regional disparities in delivery workforce availability, raising concerns for retailers during the Golden Quarter.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

The study reveals that the UK has the highest vacancy rate among the analysed regions, with 29,225 open delivery roles, equating to 42.1 vacancies per 100,000 people. Chris Gorman, Head of Commercial Transformation at Esendex, emphasised the potential repercussions:

“Our data reveals that the UK is facing a significant risk of delivery disruptions. With demand set to rise sharply, the pressure on delivery systems will intensify, especially in cities like Bristol and Manchester, where job shortages are most acute.”

Regions and cities at risk

The report identifies England as the region most affected, with 43.7 delivery job vacancies per 100,000 people. Within England, the South West has the highest shortage rate at 33.8, while Bristol emerges as the city most at risk, with 98.0 vacancies per 100,000 residents.

Conversely, London and Liverpool demonstrate greater stability, with the capital boasting the lowest vacancy rate in the UK at 13.1 per 100,000 residents. Esendex attributes this to more robust logistics infrastructure in these urban centres.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Beyond the job shortages, the report also outlines regional differences in handling peak shopping periods like Black Friday and Christmas.

For instance, while cities such as Manchester report over 230 open vacancies, areas like Northern Ireland and Wales are less affected, each accounting for fewer than 1,000 total delivery job openings.

Solutions for retailers

To mitigate delivery delays and maintain customer satisfaction, Esendex suggests leveraging real-time communication tools like SMS and WhatsApp for Business.

These platforms enable businesses to provide timely updates, manage expectations, and foster customer confidence during the busiest retail period.

“Transparency is key,” Gorman advises. “By proactively engaging with customers through automated updates, businesses can alleviate service pressure and set themselves apart in a competitive market.”

As the UK faces over 20,000 unfilled delivery roles and increasing ecommerce demand, the emphasis on clear communication and strategic planning will prove essential in navigating this holiday season