IMI calls for commitment to automotive sector from next PM
The Institute of the Motor Industry has urged the next Prime Minister of the UK to set out a clear commitment to the automotive sector.
A new Prime Minister is expected to be announced later this month, with the IMI urging the next incumbent to focus on an industry that contributes £37bn to the UK economy.
Industrialisation
It says automotive has repeatedly been overlooked in government policy and has now set out a ‘wish list’ which it believes is crucial to the future success of the sector.
Nick Connor, CEO of the IMI, said: “In his speech on 29 June Andy Burnham clearly stated that he wanted to see re-industrialisation across the UK. Assuming he gets the keys to Number 10, we will work hard to ensure his Ministers understand the role the automotive sector and its 800,000-strong workforce must play in that goal.
“We are also encouraged by his commitment to technical and vocational skills. But we need an apprenticeship system that is fit for purpose to support and encourage young people to ensure that the sector has the skilled workforce for the future.
“Clearly the country needs stability right now to give businesses and consumers confidence for the future. We look forward to working with the new Prime Minister and his Ministers to ensure the automotive sector can play its part fully in supporting that confidence.”
IMI wish-list
- Automotive embedded in re-industrialisation strategy – the IMI is calling for recognition that a sector employing 866,000 people and generating £37bn a year should take a central role in a re-industrialisation strategy.
- Consistency on ZEV Policy – the government must make clear that the transition to electric vehicles is irreversible and that skills investment must accelerate accordingly.
- Mandating of the IMI TechSafe Standard – government must ensure all technicians working on safety-critical aspects of vehicles on UK roads hold a recognised competence qualification, protecting both workers and motorists.
- Apprenticeship reform – the IMI is calling for a review of the reforms that maintains rigorous, independent end-point assessment.
- Automotive skills – the sector’s workforce needs must be explicitly named and resourced within the national skills framework.
