Technician shortage continues to hinder industry

Recruiting enough qualified technicians to meet workload will continue to challenge service and repair businesses.

The Motor Ombudsman’s (MO) latest survey of independent garages and franchise dealer workshops which provides an annual barometer for the UK’s service and repair sector revealed that more than half (54%) of businesses have prioritised investing in recruitment in 2024 to address ongoing staff shortages.

When questioned about the main factors that will put them to the test this year, 58% of those surveyed expected recruiting additional technicians to be problematic as qualified and skilled mechanics remain an increasingly sought-after resource in the labour market.

The shrinking skills pool has also been identified by a new report from the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) which said the continuing challenge of filling vacancies - the highest vacancy rate in 21 years - was only set to increase due an aging workforce and retirements, salary dissatisfaction and post-COVID job-hopping.

With both new and used electric vehicles (EVs) increasing in popularity amongst consumers, and with fewer mechanical parts than petrol and diesel models, reducing the need for maintenance, 26% of repairers said battery-powered cars would provide less scope for additional revenue opportunities and replacement parts in 2024

However, this is down from 32% seen in the same study about expectations ahead of 2023, as more businesses look to embrace new technologies and develop other revenue streams, with a fifth currently planning to add workshop and MOT bays.

Bill Fennell, chief ombudsman and managing director of The Motor Ombudsman, said: “Our latest study presents a clear picture in that garages and workshops will still have to contend with a number of underlying challenges this year.”