Government's industrial strategy overlooks automotive workforce, says IMI

The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has criticised the UK Government’s new ‘Invest 2035’ industrial strategy for failing to address the needs of the automotive sector, particularly the 724,000-strong workforce operating outside the manufacturing base.

While the strategy outlines £1.2 billion of investment in skills over the next decade, with a focus on defence, construction, engineering and digital industries, the IMI said there is little recognition of automotive’s vital contribution to the economy and the UK's net zero goals.

Sarah Sillars, interim CEO of the IMI, said: "The pre-election commitment to a dedicated Automotive Strategy appears to have been quietly shelved.

"There is a fundamental lack of understanding about the importance of the aftermarket and technician workforce in delivering the transition to electric and supporting clean growth."

Automotive supports 866,000 jobs in the UK and contributes £37 billion in gross value added (GVA).

However, the IMI warns that skills shortages are growing, with more than 16,000 vacancies currently unfilled and almost 20% of the workforce expected to retire by 2032.

The IMI had hoped its long-standing engagement with ministers since the publication of the Green Paper would ensure the sector’s workforce needs were included in the strategy.

“We’re disappointed that’s not the case,” said Sillars.

In response, the IMI is continuing to push its own plan, ‘Driving the Future of Automotive Professionals’, which aims to attract fresh talent, support upskilling, and create clearer career pathways.

The organisation also pledged to keep working with employers, policymakers and educators to support recruitment, simplify training frameworks and secure a future-ready workforce.

The IMI’s warning comes amid rising concern over the UK’s readiness to support the growing EV parc while still maintaining millions of internal combustion vehicles on the road.