Automotive Labour Market Briefing February 2025

The automotive sector is a cornerstone of the national economy, employing 866,000 people across retail (618,000), manufacturing (142,000), and other roles (106,000) through more than 100,000 businesses, contributing £37 billion a year.

In a labour market that never stands still, continual investment in skills, recruitment, and workforce development is vital for staying competitive.

In January 2025, the Motor Trades sector’s vacancy rate fell to 2.4%, its lowest point since spring 2022. Despite this drop, employers still need skilled vehicle technicians with strong diagnostics, problem-solving, and advanced vehicle systems expertise.

Salaries for specialised roles continue to climb, with body builders and repairers seeing a 24% rise over two years—clear evidence of persistent skills shortages in key areas.

Download the full report, (PDF, 1.2 MB) and discover the latest trends shaping the automotive labour market.