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Order Picker jobs in the United Kingdom

Fast, scanner-led warehouse picking with one rule above everything: accuracy first. This page explains what UK sites expect, how targets work, and what “ready for shift” really means.

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Work eligibility: non-UK candidates must already have the right to work in the UK, or apply only where an employer confirms sponsorship is possible (varies by employer and role).
Apply with CV Back to UK vacancies Updated: 2026-01-01

How the job feels on a real shift

The first hour is about rhythm: log into the handheld, confirm your pick face, and learn the site’s “rules of the aisle”. Strong pickers do not sprint; they move continuously, keep the scanner honest, and never let errors accumulate.

Most warehouses reward predictable performance. If you keep a calm pace, scan every movement, and stage neatly, you usually hit targets faster than someone who rushes and has to rework mistakes.

Order picking is measured work: units per hour and error rate. Your goal is to build a repeatable routine— pick, scan, confirm, stage—so your accuracy stays high even when the volume spikes.

Core tools: RF scanner / WMS (sometimes voice picking) Core KPI: accuracy + pick rate Environment: ambient / chilled / frozen (site-dependent)

Short candidate portrait

  • Reliable attendance and punctuality (warehouses run on shift coverage).
  • Moves steadily for hours: comfortable with walking, lifting, and repetitive tasks.
  • Follows scanning rules exactly; does not “guess” quantities or locations.
  • Understands safety boundaries: keeps distance from MHE, watches racking and corners.
  • Keeps work area clean and staging tidy (reduces errors and damage).
  • English level sufficient for safety briefings, signage, and supervisor instructions.

Typical responsibilities

  1. Pick & scanFollow the device instructions, confirm item and quantity, and avoid substitution without approval.
  2. Stage correctlyBuild totes/pallets safely, label when required, and place orders in the correct lane/zone.
  3. Quality checksReport damaged items, mis-locations, and stock issues early to prevent downstream errors.
  4. Housekeeping & safetyUse PPE, keep aisles clear, and follow manual-handling rules on every lift.

What makes you successful

Factor What UK sites look for
Accuracy Low mis-picks, clean scans, correct staging. Accuracy is usually prioritised during training.
Pick rate Units per hour improves as you learn locations and develop a steady movement routine.
Physical readiness Standing/walking for long periods, repetitive lifting, pushing cages, working in a pace environment.
Safety behaviour PPE discipline, awareness around MHE, correct lifting, no shortcuts near racking or conveyors.
Team reliability On-time starts, consistent output, and clear reporting when stock issues appear.
Next step: Submit your CV via the CV page. We screen your profile against current UK warehouse demand (picking/packing, DC roles) and client requirements.
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Requirements (detailed)

  • English CV (mandatory) with warehouse/logistics or transferable experience.
  • Work rights: right to work in the UK, or a confirmed route for roles where sponsorship is possible.
  • Shift readiness: early starts, late finishes, nights/weekends depending on site rota.
  • Physical ability: repetitive lifting and walking; comfort in a fast-moving environment.
  • Safety compliance: PPE use, manual-handling discipline, hazard reporting.
  • Systems: willingness to use RF scanners/WMS; voice picking is a plus (not always required).

Site types & conditions

  • Retail distribution centres: high volume, strict cut-off times, strong KPI tracking.
  • 3PL warehouses: mixed clients, varied products, frequent process changes.
  • Chilled/frozen: temperature-controlled gear, tighter break planning, higher fatigue management.
  • E-commerce: smaller items, high scanning volume, more walking and tote handling.

Conditions depend on employer and location. Always follow site induction rules first—even if you have prior experience.

Pick-rate playbook (practical)

  • Build a repeatable pattern: pick → scan → confirm → stage.
  • Keep staging tidy (errors and damage reduce performance more than “slow walking”).
  • Ask early when a location is wrong—mis-picks are the fastest way to fail probation.
  • Use safe lifting: injuries stop earnings and end assignments.
  • Hydrate, manage breaks, and keep pace steady rather than sprinting.

UK pay & payroll basics (2026)

  • Gross (brutto) pay: the hourly rate before tax and deductions.
  • Minimum pay rules: hourly pay must meet legal minimum wage rules (rates change annually in April).
  • Payslips: most workers receive payslips showing gross pay and deductions.
  • Overtime: overtime is contract-specific; some sites offer premiums for nights/weekends.

Working time & breaks (common rules)

  • Weekly limit: typically 48 hours/week average unless a voluntary opt-out is signed.
  • Rest breaks: a 20-minute uninterrupted break if you work more than 6 hours (paid/unpaid depends on contract).
  • Daily rest: commonly 11 hours between shifts (subject to exceptions in some shift patterns).
  • Young workers: different break rules may apply under 18.

Holiday & sickness snapshot

  • Holiday baseline: 5.6 weeks paid annual leave per year for many workers (often shown as 28 days for a 5-day week).
  • Holiday accrual: part-year/irregular hours can accrue holiday based on hours worked.
  • Sick pay: some workers may qualify for statutory sick pay and/or company sick schemes (contract-dependent).
  • Proof & process: employers may require reporting procedures for absence.

FAQ (Order Picker — UK)

Is this role suitable for entry-level candidates?

Often yes. Many warehouses train new starters. What matters most is reliability, safe behaviour, and the ability to learn scanning routines quickly.

What is the main reason people fail probation?

Repeated errors: mis-picks, wrong quantities, poor staging, or unsafe shortcuts. Sites usually prefer a slightly slower picker with clean accuracy over fast but error-prone output.

Do I need an MHE licence (forklift/reach)?

Not for a standard order picker role. Some employers offer progression into MHE roles later, but this page focuses on picking with scanners/voice systems.

What should I put on my CV for this job?

Attendance reliability, pace work, accuracy tasks (stock checks, packing, labelling), and any experience with handheld scanners, WMS, or shift environments. Add safety habits: PPE use and manual-handling awareness.

Are breaks paid?

It depends on the contract and site policy. UK rules commonly provide rest break entitlements; whether they are paid is often defined by the employment contract.

Is sponsorship likely?

Typically no for entry-level warehouse picking. Candidates with existing UK work rights are commonly prioritised.

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