Industry challenges revealed in IMI's annual report

author: FutureCar Staff    

The annual Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) Baseline Report has highlighted some key trends in the automotive industry. According to the report, while the number of businesses and job roles in the sector has decreased, vacancies have reached a 21-year high.

The report reveals that there are currently 758,000 jobs in the automotive sector, an increase from 742,600 in 2022. Out of these jobs, 78% are in retail and 22% are in the automotive field. On the other hand, the number of businesses has fallen from 100,000 to 98,500. The majority of these businesses, 97%, are in automotive retail. The decline in job roles can be attributed to the increasing use of technology in the industry.

One concerning finding from the report is the lack of diversity in the sector. Only 19% of the workforce is female, and 39% are under the age of 35. These statistics highlight the need for more support and training to attract a more diverse workforce.

Steve Nash, CEO of the IMI, expressed his concerns about the growing skills gap and the impact it has on the industry. He emphasized the importance of upskilling to meet the evolving demands of automotive technology. Nash also stressed the need for increased diversity in the sector, stating that a more diverse workforce would make the industry stronger and better equipped to serve all motorists in the UK.

To address these issues, Nash called for urgent action to fill the skills gap and provide more support and training for the existing and future workforce. He also emphasized the importance of attracting more women to the industry and increasing diversity across all roles.

Overall, the IMI Baseline Report highlights the challenges faced by the automotive industry and the need for concerted efforts to address the skills gap and promote diversity in the sector.

FutureCar Staff