The UK’s automotive sector is facing the toughest hiring conditions of any industry, according to data from ManpowerGroup.
The findings from the group’s 2026 Talent Shortage Survey found 92% of employers reporting they cannot find the skilled talent they need.
At nearly 20 percentage points above the national average of 73%, the news “signals a sector under significant strain as demand for specialist skills continues to rise”, it said.
Engineering remains the hardest skill for automotive employers to source (46%), followed by manufacturing and production (25%).
The challenge is particularly acute in regions like the West Midlands – the traditional heart of the UK’s automotive industry – where competition for engineering and technical talent is intense.
As electrification accelerates and vehicle technology becomes more complex, businesses across the region are increasingly competing for the same limited pool of specialists.
This comes at a time when UK vehicle production has fallen to its lowest level in 73 years, with 2025 output dropping to historic lows last seen in 1952.
Michael Stull, Managing Director, ManpowerGroup UK, said:
“Automotive businesses are telling us they can’t get the skills they need, with engineering talent, in particular, in critically short supply. As the sector accelerates towards electrification and more technology‑driven roles, the need for new capabilities is growing faster than the talent available.
“Employers will only overcome these pressures by investing in upskilling and working closely with schools and colleges, to widen access to future‑focused skills.”
Image courtesy of Green Car Guide
