09 Jul Motor Trade Vacancies Rise 14% as the Rest of the UK Cools Down
Most UK industries entered 2026 with a quieter hiring mood. The motor trade, however, has shown a clear (and welcome) counter-move — and the latest automotive vacancies data backs that up.
IMI analysis of ONS vacancy data reports that motor trade vacancies (often grouped as automotive vacancies) rose to 16,000 in January–March 2026, up from 14,000 in the previous quarter (a 14% increase). (tide.theimi.org.uk) At the same time, the ONS reported total UK vacancies falling to around 711,000 in January–March 2026, down on the previous quarter. (ons.gov.uk)
This doesn’t mean the skills shortage has vanished, or that the market is “back to normal” overnight. But it does suggest one thing: motor trade recruitment pressure is proving more resilient than the wider UK market — and that’s relevant to both motor trade employers and job seekers tracking automotive jobs.
What the Q1 2026 vacancy jump really tells employers
A quarter-on-quarter rise can be an early signal that businesses are moving from “pause” to “selective hiring”.
The IMI also highlights that the vacancy rate is still tighter in automotive than the UK average: 2.4 motor trade vacancies per 100 employees, versus 2.2 nationally. (tide.theimi.org.uk) In practical terms, that means competition for capable workshop talent remains intense, even while other sectors soften.
That said, it’s important to keep the wider trend in view. The IMI notes the sector remains down year-on-year (17%), and still well below two years ago (down 38%). (tide.theimi.org.uk) So, this isn’t a hiring “boom”, it’s more like stabilisation with pockets of urgency.
Where demand is still concentrated: workshop and technical roles
Even when hiring slows, vehicles still need servicing, diagnosing, repairing, and preparing for sale.
That’s why many businesses are continuing to recruit in core operational roles, especially those that protect throughput and customer satisfaction, such as:
- Vehicle Technicians and Diagnostic Technicians
- MOT Testers
- Accident repair talent (Panel, Paint, MET)
- HGV and commercial workshop staff (where fleets can’t afford downtime)
For dealerships and local garages, these are the roles that keep bays productive and bookings flowing. For candidates, these are the areas where skills stay highly transferable and progression remains realistic.
Pay pressure: why annual reviews often aren’t enough in shortage roles
If vacancies tick up while the wider market cools, pay becomes a sharper lever.
Perfect Placement’s 2026 salary insights help illustrate where the pressure is most visible:
| Role (UK motor trade) | Average basic salary | Average OTE |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Technician | £38,502 | £43,549 |
| HGV Technician | £44,081 | (often advertised higher with OTE) |
| Master Technician | £44,817 | (varies by responsibility and bonus structure) |
If your hiring process still assumes you can “wait and see,” Q1 2026 is your nudge to tighten up.
A few practical moves that tend to pay off quickly:
- Make your offer easy to understand
Candidates compare basics, bonus, hours, training, and tools. If your package is vague, you’ll lose good people to clarity. - Speed up shortlisting and interviews
In workshop hiring, delays often equal dropouts. A smooth process is a competitive advantage. - Use compliance as a strength, not a slowdown
Right-to-work checks and vetting matter. Done well, they protect your business and build trust with candidates.
At AKA Recruitment, we’re set up to support employers with efficient, tailored recruitment across automotive, commercial/office, and engineering & construction, with a strong focus on time-saving processes and long-term partnerships — including workshop hiring and office-based motor trade roles like a senior motor trade account handler where required. (akarecruitment.co.uk)
What this means for job seekers (especially technicians)
A stabilising vacancy picture can work in your favour if you move with intent — especially if you’re actively running a job search motor trade jobs plan rather than waiting for the “perfect” advert.
If you’re a Vehicle Technician, MOT Tester, Panel Beater, MET Technician, or you’ve got diagnostic capability, this is a good moment to:
- Benchmark your pay and progression against current advertised levels for automotive jobs
- Update your CV to reflect measurable outputs (hours sold, diagnostics capability, qualifications, brand experience)
- Be clear on your non-negotiables (shift pattern, Saturdays, training, commute)
If you want support with your next move, AKA Recruitment also offers practical candidate support like CV help, plus hiring processes that include checks such as right-to-work verification (and DBS checks where required for the role). (akarecruitment.co.uk)
How AKA Recruitment can help you act on this trend
Whether you’re a dealership trying to protect workshop capacity or a candidate ready for the next step, the message from Q1 2026 is simple: the motor trade is still hiring, and good talent still moves fast.
- Employers can explore AKA’s tailored support across sectors via our services page. (akarecruitment.co.uk)
- Job seekers can get started by visiting the AKA site and using the upload your CV option. (akarecruitment.co.uk)
For candidates tracking volume, it can also help to keep an eye on aggregated listings (for example, pages that show 479 motor trade jobs) and use a motor trade portal dealer search one click approach to quickly compare location, salary, and employer type.