The latest analysis of workforce data from the Institute of the Motor Industry shows the “stark labour pressures” in the automotive sector.
It said with an ageing workforce profile and only marginal improvements in diversity, the sector’s ability to attract new talent is being “seriously undermined”.
The report found that over 47% of the automotive workforce is aged 45 and women comprise just 18.6% of the workforce.
It found that 10.4% of senior roles are held by women – and over the past three years, female representation in senior automotive roles has declined by 12.3%
Disabled workers represent 16.2% of the workforce – a 2.5% increase over the previous 3 years. It said 9.8% of disabled workers are in senior roles
Representation of non-White British workers in the automotive workforce has increased from 12.5% to 19.9% year-on-year – a 7.4 percentage point rise. But only 11.6% of non-White British workers are in senior roles
“UK automotive cannot afford to lose in the race for talent, yet right now not enough is being done to future-proof the sector,” said Nick Connor, CEO of the IMI.
“While some progress has been made in recent years, with an increase being seen in the number of women, non-White British and disabled workers entering the sector, the time is now to do everything possible to attract new, young talent.”
“The IMI is championing a more inclusive future through initiatives like our ‘More to Motor’ campaign and partnerships aligned to the Gatsby Benchmarks, as well as working with industry bodies like the Automotive 30% Club, of which we are a Gold Partner. We’re also using our voice to influence policy, including our submission to the Government’s Parental Leave and Pay Review, to help remove structural barriers that limit women’s participation and progression in their careers.”
“But we also need employers to step up. Our data shows that diverse automotive businesses outperform their peers by 25% so it’s hard to understand why we are still seeing such small improvements across the sector.”
