The UK accident and repair sector is losing about 4,700 skilled workers every year, according to new research from the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI).
Its report, Understanding the UK Accident & Repair Workforce, found that by comparison only 3,000 people join the industry each year and the annual shortfall of 1,700 employees threatens to drive up motor insurance costs and extend vehicle repair times.
The IMI report further revealed that the skills crisis is not evenly spread. It found that 800 paint technicians are leaving the industry every year with only 400 new entrants joining. Further, only 12% of paint technicians are under 25. The picture is similar for body repair with exits outpacing entries and an older-than-average workforce profile.
The report also flags a longer-term threat. As electric vehicles and ADAS become more prevalent across the UK vehicle parc, the technical demands placed on accident and repair technicians will increase significantly.
The IMI is now calling for coordinated action across three areas to address the skills challenge:
- Increase the volume of new entrants into the sector, particularly into shortage occupations
- Better align training provision with real-world demand
- Strengthen retention and progression pathways for workers already in the sector.
Damaging effect
Nick Connor, CEO of the IMI, said: “The entire motor claims system depends on a workforce that is skilled for current and new technologies. However, our analysis shows that employers are not currently recruiting and retaining talent in key areas of the accident and repair ecosystem as individuals either retire or move into other sectors. And this is having a damaging effect on both customer satisfaction for insurers and indemnity costs.”
He continued: “Apprenticeship starts across key pathways have not grown, and in some cases have declined leaving the sector without the talent pipeline it urgently needs. We have a training system that is not aligned with demand with the result that employers are struggling to find paint technicians and glaziers because the pipeline predominantly produces generalists. That misalignment has to be addressed.
“The IMI will therefore advocate on behalf of the sector to government as well as the wider industry to drive change. The accident and repair workforce underpins the entire motor claims ecosystem in this country.
“Protecting that workforce is not just a matter for bodyshops and garages – it is a matter for insurers, fleet operators, and ultimately for every driver who needs their vehicle repaired.”
