📋 Job Summary at a Glance
Reach Truck Driver
Portsmouth, Hampshire
£13.50 - £17.50/hour
Temp to Perm
🚛 About This Exciting Opportunity
Workers Direct, one of the UK's leading recruitment agencies, is actively seeking skilled and experienced Reach Truck Drivers for immediate placement at a prestigious logistics and distribution centre in Portsmouth, Hampshire. This is an outstanding opportunity for certified forklift operators who thrive in dynamic, fast-paced warehouse environments and are looking for competitive pay, flexible working hours, and genuine career progression.
Portsmouth's thriving logistics sector continues to expand, driven by the city's strategic port location and excellent transport links to London, Southampton, and the wider South East. Our client operates a state-of-the-art distribution facility handling high-volume stock movements for major retail and e-commerce brands, making this an exciting time to join their growing team.
Whether you're seeking full-time permanent employment, flexible temporary work, or a temp-to-perm opportunity, Workers Direct provides tailored staffing solutions that match your career aspirations with employer requirements. Our dedicated warehouse staffing team works closely with both candidates and clients to ensure perfect placements every time.
✓ Why Choose This Reach Truck Driver Role?
This isn't just another warehouse job – it's a career opportunity with a forward-thinking employer who values their workforce. Here's what makes this position stand out in Portsmouth's competitive job market:
Competitive Pay Rates
Earn £13.50-£17.50/hour with premium rates for nights and weekends. Weekly PAYE payments with no hidden deductions.
Flexible Shift Patterns
Choose from days, afternoons, or nights. Full-time and part-time options available to suit your lifestyle needs.
Career Progression
Clear pathways to Team Leader and Supervisor roles. Funded training for additional MHE certifications.
Excellent Benefits
28 days holiday (pro-rata), pension scheme, free parking, subsidised canteen, and employee discount schemes.
Immediate Start
Begin work within 48 hours of registration. Fast-track onboarding for candidates with valid licences.
Modern Facility
Work in a state-of-the-art distribution centre with latest equipment, climate control, and excellent welfare facilities.
💷 Reach Truck Driver Salary in Portsmouth 2025
Day Rate
£13.50/hr
Night Rate
£15.50/hr
Weekend Rate
£17.50/hr
Weekly Earnings
£540-£700
📋 Key Responsibilities and Daily Duties
As a Reach Truck Driver at our Portsmouth distribution centre, you'll play a vital role in maintaining efficient warehouse operations. Your core responsibilities will include:
Safe Reach Truck Operation
Operating reach trucks to move, stack, and retrieve palletised goods at heights up to 12 metres while adhering to all health and safety protocols.
Loading and Unloading Operations
Efficiently loading and unloading delivery vehicles, ensuring goods are handled carefully to prevent damage and delays.
Inventory Management
Accurately locating and picking stock using RF scanners and warehouse management systems (WMS), maintaining precise inventory records.
Stock Rotation and Quality Control
Implementing FIFO (First In, First Out) stock rotation principles and conducting quality checks to identify damaged or expired products.
Equipment Maintenance
Conducting daily pre-use checks on reach trucks, reporting any faults or maintenance requirements to supervisors immediately.
Housekeeping Standards
Maintaining clean and organised work areas, ensuring aisles are clear and safety equipment is properly stored.
📝 Essential Requirements and Qualifications
To be considered for this Reach Truck Driver position in Portsmouth, candidates must meet the following criteria:
⚠️ Essential Requirements
- Valid reach truck licence (in-date, issued by accredited provider such as RTITB or ITSSAR)
- Minimum 6 months demonstrable reach truck experience in a warehouse environment
- Right to work in the UK (proof required at registration)
- Clean health and safety record with no recent accidents
- Good English communication skills (written and verbal)
- Physical fitness for warehouse work including manual handling
✨ Desirable Skills
- Counterbalance licence (multi-skilled operators preferred)
- VNA (Very Narrow Aisle) or LLOP experience
- WMS experience (Manhattan, SAP, or similar systems)
- RF scanner proficiency for inventory management
- Temperature-controlled warehouse experience (chilled/frozen)
- Full UK driving licence for potential delivery duties
⏰ Available Shift Patterns
Early Shift
6:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Day Shift
7:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Afternoon Shift
2:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Night Shift
10:00 PM - 6:00 AM
Note: Weekend shifts available with premium rates. Part-time options (minimum 20 hours/week) also available.
📍 Why Portsmouth is Perfect for Warehouse Careers
Portsmouth, located on England's south coast, has emerged as a major logistics hub thanks to its strategic position and excellent transport infrastructure. The city's international port handles millions of tonnes of cargo annually, creating substantial demand for skilled warehouse operatives and forklift drivers.
With direct access to the M27 and M3 motorways, Portsmouth-based distribution centres serve retailers and manufacturers across the South East, making this an ideal location for logistics professionals. The city offers affordable living costs compared to London while maintaining strong employment opportunities and competitive wages in the warehousing sector.
Industrial Parks
15+ major sites
Port Activity
2M+ passengers/year
Motorway Access
M27 & M3 direct
Logistics Jobs
5,000+ available
💬 What Our Reach Truck Drivers Say
"After registering with Workers Direct on Monday, I was working by Wednesday. The pay is excellent and the warehouse has top-notch equipment. Best agency I've worked with in 12 years."
David Thompson
Reach Truck Driver, Portsmouth
"The night shift premium really adds up. I'm taking home over £650 a week and the team atmosphere is brilliant. Workers Direct kept me informed throughout the entire process."
Sarah Kowalski
Night Shift Operator, Fareham
"As a parent, the flexible shifts are a lifesaver. I work days while the kids are at school and still earn great money. The holiday pay is proper too - 28 days pro-rata."
Michael Roberts
Reach Truck Driver, Havant
"I came from retail wanting a career change. Workers Direct helped refresh my forklift licence and placed me within a week. Now earning double what I made before!"
Aisha Ndiaye
Reach Truck Driver, Gosport
🚀 How to Apply - Simple 4-Step Process
Applying for this reach truck driver position in Portsmouth is quick and straightforward. Our streamlined process means you could be working within 48 hours:
Register Online
Complete our quick online registration form – takes just 5 minutes. Upload your CV and reach truck licence documentation.
Consultant Callback
A dedicated recruitment consultant will call you within 2 hours (during business hours) to discuss your experience, availability, and preferences.
Compliance Check
We verify your right to work, validate your forklift licence with the issuing body, and conduct reference checks – all completed same day where possible.
Start Working
Once cleared, you'll receive your site induction details and shift schedule. Many candidates start within 24-48 hours of applying!
🎁 Complete Benefits Package
⭐ Why Choose Workers Direct?
Since 2010, Workers Direct has established itself as one of the UK's most trusted recruitment agencies, specialising in warehouse staffing, logistics recruitment, and industrial placements. Our commitment to quality, transparency, and candidate welfare sets us apart:
15+ Years Experience
Trusted by thousands of candidates and hundreds of employers across the UK since 2010.
Rapid Placements
Start work within 24-48 hours with our fast-track compliance and onboarding process.
Dedicated Support
Personal consultant assigned to your case, available 7 days a week for queries and support.
Fair & Transparent
No hidden fees, clear pay rates, and proper PAYE employment with full statutory rights.
Part of the Staff Direct family of recruitment agencies, including Labourer Agency and Temping Agency.
🎓 Training & Career Development
We invest in our workforce. Successful candidates have access to funded training including:
Counterbalance Licence
VNA Certification
LLOP Training
IOSH Safety
Team Leadership
Supervisor Skills
📞 Contact Workers Direct Today
HEAD OFFICE
344-348 High Road, Ilford IG1 1QP
OFFICE HOURS
Mon-Fri: 8am-6pm
Sat: 9am-1pm
⚡ Quick Facts About This Role
Start Date
Immediate
Contract Length
Ongoing / Temp-to-Perm
Positions Available
12 Vacancies
Coverage Areas
Portsmouth, Fareham, Havant, Gosport
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What qualifications do I need to apply for the Reach Truck Driver position in Portsmouth?
A: You need a valid, in-date reach truck licence issued by an accredited provider such as RTITB or ITSSAR. Additionally, you should have a minimum of 6 months demonstrable reach truck experience in a warehouse environment, the legal right to work in the UK, and good English communication skills. A counterbalance licence is beneficial but not essential, as training can be provided for multi-skilled operators.
Q: What are the working hours and shift patterns available?
A: We offer highly flexible shift patterns to suit your lifestyle. Day shifts run from 6am-2pm or 7am-3pm, afternoon shifts from 2pm-10pm, and night shifts from 10pm-6am. Both full-time (40+ hours) and part-time (minimum 20 hours) positions are available. Weekend work is optional but attracts premium rates of up to £17.50 per hour. Overtime is regularly available during peak periods, particularly around Black Friday and Christmas.
Q: How much does a Reach Truck Driver earn in Portsmouth?
A: Reach Truck Drivers in Portsmouth earn between £13.50 and £17.50 per hour depending on experience, shift patterns, and time of week. Day shifts start at £13.50/hour, night shifts attract £15.50/hour, and weekend work pays up to £17.50/hour. Based on a 40-hour week, this equates to weekly earnings of £540-£700 before tax. Additional benefits include weekly PAYE payments, 28 days holiday (pro-rata), pension contributions, and performance-related bonuses.
Q: Is this an immediate start position?
A: Yes, this is absolutely an immediate start position. Candidates with valid, in-date documentation and licences can realistically begin work within 24-48 hours of successful registration. Workers Direct provides a rapid onboarding process with same-day compliance checks for qualified candidates. Simply register online, speak with our consultant, complete the quick verification process, and you could be on-site for your induction the very next day.
Q: What career progression opportunities are available?
A: This role offers excellent career progression opportunities for ambitious individuals. Clear pathways exist to Senior Reach Truck Operator, Team Leader, Warehouse Supervisor, and eventually Logistics Manager positions. Our client actively promotes from within and has a track record of developing talent. Workers Direct also facilitates access to funded training for additional MHE licences including counterbalance, VNA (Very Narrow Aisle), and LLOP (Low Level Order Picker) certifications. Many of our placed candidates have progressed to supervisory roles within 12 months.
🎯 Conclusion: Your Next Career Move Starts Here
This Reach Truck Driver position in Portsmouth represents more than just a job – it's a gateway to a rewarding career in one of the UK's fastest-growing logistics sectors. With competitive pay rates of up to £17.50 per hour, flexible shift patterns that accommodate your lifestyle, and genuine opportunities for advancement, there's never been a better time to join a dynamic distribution team.
Workers Direct has been connecting skilled warehouse professionals with leading employers since 2010. Our commitment to fair pay, transparent practices, and genuine candidate support has made us one of the most trusted names in UK recruitment. We don't just find you a job – we help you build a career.
Whether you're an experienced reach truck operator looking for better rates and conditions, or a qualified forklift driver seeking immediate work in the Portsmouth area, our dedicated team is ready to help you take the next step. Don't wait – positions like this are filled quickly, and with 12 vacancies currently available, now is the time to act.
Or call us directly: +44 (0) 2030 869080
