โ๐ฆFebruary 2026: Shipping & Logistics Hiring Trends in Norfolk & Suffolk (and the Chinese New Year ripple effect)
๐ February is often the month where shipping and logistics teams feel the market shift. Peak season isnโt here yet, but planning starts to tighten, candidate availability changes quickly, and import timelines can become unpredictable.
๐ In Norfolk and Suffolk right now, weโre seeing a more cautious, โwait and seeโ recruitment landscape โ but that doesnโt mean hiring has stopped. Itโs become more intentional, more skills-led, and more focused on reliability and retention.
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๐งง 1) Chinese New Year: why February can feel unpredictable
๐ง Chinese New Year can create a knock-on effect across global supply chains even after the holiday period ends. For local operations, that often shows up as:
๐ Uneven inbound volumes: a surge when shipments land, followed by quieter spells.
๐ More pressure on planning and customer comms: rebooking, chasing ETAs, and managing expectations.
๐ญ Short-notice labour needs: extra warehouse hands, admin support, and driver cover when volumes spike.
๐ฅ What to do now: If youโre expecting volatility, line up flexible cover early (warehouse operatives, transport admin, and Class 1 drivers) so you can scale up without burning out your core team.
๐ ๏ธ 2) The rise of โskills-firstโ hiring
๐ฏ Across East Anglia, employers are moving away from rigid job titles and focusing on transferable skills and proven ability.
๐ For shipping and logistics, that means hiring managers are prioritising:
๐ง Adaptability and attitude (can you handle change, stay calm, and keep standards high?)
๐ Operational accuracy (PODs, compliance paperwork, scanning, stock control)
๐ฌ Communication (drivers, planners, warehouse and customers staying aligned)
โ This is good news for candidates who may be changing sectors โ if you can show the right skills, youโre in the conversation.
๐ 3) Intentional hiring (slower timelines, better fit)
๐งฉ The โhire fast at all costsโ approach is easing in many businesses. Instead, weโre seeing a shift to intentional hiring โ taking a little longer to get the right person to reduce dropouts and re-hiring.
๐ In practice, this often looks like:
โ๏ธ clearer job briefs and expectations
๐ฅ more structured interviews
๐ more focus on reliability, attendance and long-term fit
๐ The catch: skilled candidates still move quickly. If your process drags, you can still lose great people.
๐ 4) Demand remains strong in key local sectors
๐๏ธ Even with a more cautious market overall, demand is holding up in specialist areas across Norfolk and Suffolk, including:
๐ง Engineering & manufacturing support: maintenance, CNC, precision engineering and operational support roles
๐ Energy and green tech (coastal focus): renewables-related operations and engineering roles
๐ Core logistics roles: warehouse, transport admin, freight forwarding and Class 1 driving (especially where flexibility is needed)
๐ค 5) โHuman-firstโ AI: tech helps, but people still win
๐ Recruitment tech is now standard โ ATS systems, automation, faster screening โ but thereโs a growing preference for a human-first experience.
๐ฃ Candidates want:
๐ข fast updates
๐ฌ clear communication
๐ฃ๏ธ honest feedback
๐ a recruiter who understands the job, not just the CV
๐ฒ At LME, we use tech to speed up admin and improve visibility, while keeping the process personal and responsive.
๐ 6) Retention is the new recruitment
๐ท Replacing good people is expensive โ especially in skilled operational roles. More employers are investing in:
๐ upskilling and training
๐งพ better onboarding and compliance processes
๐ improving shift patterns and expectations
๐ internal progression
๐ค If youโre hiring this month, itโs worth asking: what will make a good person stay here for 12 months, not just 12 weeks?
๐ February takeaway: plan for flexibility, hire for skills
๐ If youโre a client, February is a smart time to get ahead โ especially if Chinese New Year import patterns could affect your volumes. If youโre a candidate, itโs a strong month to make an intentional move: focus on roles that fit your long-term goals, not just the quickest start.
๐ Need support hiring or job hunting in shipping and logistics?
๐ Visit: www.lmerecruitment.co.uk
๐ง Email: info@lmerecruitment.com
โ๏ธ Call: 01394 570 156 | 01473 375 158
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