UNITED KINGDOM / AGILITYPR.NEWS / February 19, 2026 / With January behind us, retailers look at the rest of the year ahead - and Midland Pallet Trucks is warning that many may be underestimating the operational impact of a widening warehouse labour gap. With ongoing recruitment challenges and sustained wage pressure, equipment strategy will play a far greater role in workforce stability than some businesses currently recognise.

While much of the industry conversation focuses on automation and system upgrades, day-to-day warehouse productivity still relies heavily on manual handling. Pallet trucks remain one of the most widely used pieces of equipment across retail distribution, yet they are often overlooked in strategic workforce planning.

According to Midland Pallet Trucks, rising wage costs combined with a tighter labour pool are pushing more operators to reassess how physical strain affects both performance and retention. Semi-electric pallet trucks are seeing increased interest from retailers seeking a balance between affordability and reduced operator fatigue.

“Labour shortages aren’t just about headcount: they’re about sustainability,” said Phil Chesworth, Managing Director at Midland Pallet Trucks. “If your team is physically exhausted by the end of every shift, you’ll see it in absenteeism, turnover and slower throughput. Investing in the right equipment can make a noticeable difference to how long people stay and how well they perform.”

Manual pallet trucks remain suitable for many low-volume tasks, but in higher-throughput retail environments, repeated lifting and manoeuvring can place significant strain on operators. Semi-electric models reduce the physical effort required for lifting and propulsion without the capital outlay of full automation. For many mid-sized warehouses, this represents a practical step forward rather than a wholesale transformation.

Retailers who align equipment decisions with workforce realities will be better positioned to protect both productivity and retention in the year ahead. Midland Pallet Trucks has observed that retailers upgrading from purely manual fleets often report smoother peak periods, particularly during seasonal spikes.

“Equipment shouldn’t be viewed purely as a cost line,” Chesworth added. “In the current climate, it’s part of your retention strategy. When staff feel that the business is investing in tools that make their jobs safer and more manageable, it sends a strong message.”

With 2026 workforce projections indicating continued competition for skilled warehouse operatives, the company believes retailers must think beyond recruitment drives alone. Practical adjustments to materials handling equipment - such as pallet trucks, stacker trucks and lift tables - may offer a more immediate and measurable return.

For more information, visit https://www.midlandpallettrucks.com.