Work in this industry varies from basic operative work to roles that require the operation of machinery. Many temporary or seasonal roles are available that require the ability to assist other operatives in the warehouse, assist with storage or product labelling, and maintain records. Most roles involve picking and packing of stock, processing inbound and outbound receipts, operating warehousing systems and otherwise helping to ensure dispatch timetables are met
Other positions seek experienced assistants, controllers or managers with car or commercial vehicle licences, fork lift licences, health and safety certification and/or first aid training. Work can often involve night shifts or long hours. The ideal candidate will typically have a full UK drivers licence without endorsement, a history of reliable employment in the field and their own set of safety boots, though not all positions will require all of these
Many of these roles are available on a temporary or short-term basis and remuneration is typically on an hourly-wage basis. A rate of £6.50 can typically be expected, though rates for some roles can range up to £8.00. Some permanent positions for assistants are available at a median salary of £17,000 and managers can earn £30,000.

Warehouses are required to store products and goods, perishable and non-perishable, for further distribution. People working on these buildings ensure products have been well sorted with suitable environment conditions for each item. They are also required every time products need to be loaded on a vehicle or receiving new goods for storing.

Warehouse workers usually perform many of the following tasks:
• Keeping compuratised checks of the stored products.
• Moving goods around the warehouse.
• Signing delivery notes.
• Reporting broken goods.
• Packing products for dispatch.

• Having suitable physical conditions.
• Being able to work with a team.
• Being reliable.
• Having knowledge about safety and health regulations.
• Being able to complete paperwork.
• Having IT skills.
• Being able to work under pressure.
• Being able to work quickly.
• Having good communication abilities.
• Being flexible.

Warehouse jobs do not have specific entry requirements for applicants. They just need skills related to English, IT, and Math. Some employers require vision tests to ensure candidates have good colour vision suitable for colour coded items. There are degree courses available in subjects like transport management, logistics, and supply chain management.

People who want to work with a fork lift are required to have a special licence for that type of vehicle. Applicants need to be over 16 years old for these duties.