Vacancy Tracker - May 2025

Each month, we track vacancy trends across the UK job market to assess workforce pressures in the Motor Trades sector based on the latest Office for National Statistics (ONS) vacancy data.

This update highlights short-term changes and longer-term patterns, warning that persistent vacancy gaps could challenge future recruitment, skills growth and business resilience.

Automotive Vacancies: April 2025 at a glance

• Vacancy rate in Motor Trades: 2.8%
• UK industry rank: Sixth out of 21
• Approximate open positions: 17,000
• Year-on-year change: -24%
• Two-year change: -43%
• National average: 2.7%

Early outlook

The April figure marks a notable fall from the 4.9% rate seen in 2023. If the trend continues, Motor Trades may drop out of the top ten industries for vacancy rates for the first time since 2021. This would suggest easing recruitment challenges and a stabilising labour market.

Growing demand

Although overall demand is cooling, vacancy rates are slightly above the national average. This signals ongoing challenges in recruiting for specific specialist roles and regional gaps in supply.

Evolving role

Employers appear to be adapting by improving pay offers and investing in training. At the same time, more candidates are entering or re-entering the workforce, easing some of the pressure.

Explore more workforce trends and insights in our latest Labour Market Briefing.