Estimated motor trade vacancies rose for a third consecutive rolling period, reaching around 18,000 in July to September 2026, compared with 17,000 in June to August.
Motor trade vacancies have fallen less sharply over the past two years. They were 5% lower than in July to September 2024, while vacancies across the UK economy dropped by 18%. Both were 5% lower than a year earlier.
Automotive online job postings in September were 23% higher than in September 2025 and 43% above September 2024. Seven of the eight occupation groups grew year on year, and all eight recorded more adverts than two years earlier.
Vehicle technicians, mechanics, and electricians accounted for 72% of the adverts. The group recorded 19,734 adverts, 23% more than a year earlier and 53% more than in September 2024.
Automotive job adverts rose by 23% year on year, with increases across seven of the eight occupation groups tracked
Vehicle valeters and cleaners recorded the fastest annual growth, at 61%. Adverts also increased by 45% for vehicle body builders and repairers, 38% for garage managers and proprietors, and 35% for vehicle paint technicians.
Demand for tyre, exhaust, and windscreen fitters fell in the latest year but stayed above its 2024 level. Job postings were 5% lower than in September 2025, but 15% higher than in September 2024. So the latest fall only partly reversed the growth recorded a year earlier.
