Warehouse Operatives

Warehouse workers, also known as warehouse operatives, handle goods that come through a warehouse. This could involve checking and storing goods as they arrive, signing delivery notes, packing goods, moving them around a warehouse by hand or with the aid of lifting gear or fork-lift trucks, stock-keeping, checking goods and reporting any faults, loading goods, and ensuring stored goods tally with stock records.

A warehouse team leader makes sure that work schedules are followed and tasks are completed safely and on time. They would also carry out administrative tasks including ensuring paperwork is correct, processing timesheets and completing productivity records. They would report to the warehouse manager.

Warehouse workers usually work a 37- to 40-hour week. Shifts and weekends are common, and part-time, temporary work and overtime are often available. Most modern warehouses are large, light and airy, but some goods have to be stored under special conditions, which may affect the environment. Loading and unloading lorries can be cold, wet work. The job is likely to involve lifting, bending, stretching and carrying. In some warehouses you may need to wear protective clothing.

As a warehouse worker, you should be physically fit, a good team worker, able to work quickly and efficiently and able to complete paperwork and count stock items. You should be able to keep records on a computer, able to follow health and safety regulations, honest and reliable.

Additionally, a warehouse team leader should be able to motivate other people, have problem-solving skills, be able to produce reports and records and be able to work on their own initiative. IT skills are useful, and a driving licence may be required.

There are no minimum role qualifications to be a warehouse worker, but basic English, maths and IT skills will be useful. In warehouses where storage is colour-coded, normal colour vision is required, and medical and colour vision tests may be taken at interviews.

Team leaders should have some GCSE's/S grades, or other qualifications such as GNVQ's/GSVQ's in retail and distributive services. Employers often prefer team leaders with previous experience of warehouse work.

There are around 400,000 warehouse workers employed all over the UK . Employers include supermarkets and high street shops, mail order companies, distribution companies, manufacturers, government departments, the health service and the armed forces. Opportunities for promotion are to team leader or supervisor, then to warehouse manager.