The impact of the recession on motor trade employment may echo that of previous recessions, according to research by automotive recruitment company Steele-Dixon.

Data shows that the motor trade employment market slowed in 1980, resulting in much of 1981 being below its previous year’s level. This pattern continued in 1982 before demand showed a consistent rise in autumn.

In 1990, demand fell sharply in every month from June and until recovery began in February 1993, 29 months after vacancies had started to fall.

The picture for 2008 resembled 1990, with demand falling from March and vacancies tumbling sharply and consistently from July onwards.

Recruitment activity will be subdued for much of 2009, though there may be an initial recovery in the early months as in 1991, predicted Steele-Dixon.