The logistics sector in Scotland employs around 115,000 people, which is 5% of the nation’s workforce. However, many logistics occupations are also found in other sectors, so the broader logistics sector is approximately 167,700, which is 7% of the nation’s workforce. The wholesale subsector employs the greatest number of people (46,900), followed by freight transport by road (17,300).

There over 12,400 logistic workplaces in Scotland. 81% of the workplaces in the sector employ less than 10 people and only 1% employ more than 200 people.

20% of workplaces have skill gaps. The main skills lacking are: customer handling skills (59%); planning and organising skills (57%); problem solving skills (55%); and other technical and practical skills (51%).

Of the workforce:

• 75% is male
• 8% is under 25 years and 43% is over 45 years
• 8% is self-employed
• 13% is part-time
• 1% is from a Black Minority Ethnic group
• 42% has a below Level 2 qualification
• 22% has a Level 4 qualification and above

Between 2007 and 2017 in Scotland, employment levels are forecast to decrease. However, replacement demand is expected to be around 56,000. In total, the sector will need to fill 47,000 jobs. All occupational groups will experience a positive demand in employment.

Source: Skills for Logistics Sector Skills Assessment – Scotland 2010 and FutureSkills Scotland 2009

Data and charts:

Employment in the Scottish logistics sector by sub-sector, 2008

Broad definition of employment in the logistics sector in Scotland, 2008

Qualification level of the Scottish logistics workforce, 2008