A HR-themed survey of the UK’s franchised car retailers found that 53.8% intend to recruit in their sales departments and 63% plan to appoint new technicians over the next three months.

Sue Robinson, the chief executive of the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA), which carried out the survey, said that the findings were “extremely encouraging” as the car retail sector continues to adapt to the challenges of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.

Robinson added: “The majority of franchised dealers are putting people at the core of recovery and growth and planning to create jobs and recruit new workforce in the next three months.

“NFDA continues to support members through the entire recruitment process thanks to Drive My Career as well as relevant documents and templates.”

Dealer groups employing 52,222 employees and operating 919 franchised dealer sites across the UK responded to the NFDA’s recent survey and communicated that, despite Society of Motor Manufacturers (SMMT) registrations data showing that sales remain 31% down at 1.38m, and increased digitalisation of the retail process, sales staff remain a vital component.

Robinson said that the survey had also shown that staff were being well supported.

Last week a survey of AI learning platform Soffos.ai found that a third of workers felt COVID-19 has set back their professional development.

The survey of 2,000 working adults showed that 36% of those in full-time employment feel their professional development has regressed due to COVID-19, with 28% due a promotion in 2020 that has now been put on hold.

But the NFDA’s survey found that more than 75% of dealers undertake employee engagement activities annually or more often.

It also found that over 80% of dealers plan to use the funds from the Government’s Apprenticeship Levy in the next 12 months, with more than 50% planning on recruiting apprentice-based roles in the next three months.

Robinson said: “Dealers’ recruitment plans indicate a degree of optimism and it is positive to see they are giving significant importance to regular performance reviews and employee engagement activities with their current staff.

“Businesses need to ensure that employees not only feel supported and engaged but are also developed and guided through their careers.

“Engagement is intrinsically linked to performance and it is important that employees’ voices are being heard and that management is listening and adapting to their needs.

“Focussing on bringing new talent into the industry has never been more important for the health of businesses and the whole economy.”

In addition to new legal employment guidance made available to members, the NFDA has also offers a new ‘HR Toolkit’ which will be updated regularly.

Initially, it includes job descriptions and templates members can use when they recruit.