More logistics and transport companies are planning to recruit new members of staff in the next 12 months, which suggests that business is picking up.

A new study conducted by Barclays has shown that 69 per cent of British firms within this sector will create new employment opportunities in 2013/14 - a significant rise on 2012, when just 46 per cent said they were in a position to hire more people.

The latest Barclays Job Creation Survey questioned more than 700 enterprises and it also showed that most firms (57 per cent) have no intention of employing ex-public sector workers, whereas 34 per cent of the respondents said they would.

Rob Riddleston, head of transport and logistics at Barclays Corporate Banking, remarked: "It's positive to see that the majority of transport and logistics providers surveyed are confident about creating new positions over the next 12 months and at all levels of the spectrum."

Unfortunately, transport organisations may find it hard to find experienced drivers, as a recent study by the Recruitment & Employment Confederation showed there to be a skills shortage in the industry.