10:22 am, September 10, 2026
The Institute of the Motor Industry has called on the Government to ramp up investment in automotive workforce skills ahead of the upcoming Autumn Budget.
With chancellor John Healey set to announce the latest Budget to Parliament on October 28, the IMI has submitted a list of ‘Budget Asks’ to help the automotive industry.
The professional body has warned that shortages of skilled workers, an ageing vehicle parc and rapid advances in vehicle technology are creating growing pressure on the sector.
IMI chief executive Nick Connor says there is currently a ‘mismatch’ between government policy, technological change and the capacity of the automotive workforce.
He warned that without targeted investment, the pressures could restrict productivity, slow the adoption of new technology and increase risks for businesses and consumers.
The IMI is also calling for greater employer flexibility over Growth & Skills Levy spending, including allowing funding to be used for modular and short-course training.
Elsewhere, it wants targeted incentives for training in emerging vehicle technologies, while calling for unused levy funds to be redirected towards sectors facing acute skills shortages.
Another key proposal is the creation of a dedicated Automotive Workforce Investment Fund.
The IMI says this would support workforce retention and upskilling, SME development, technology adoption training and development of the accident repair workforce, as well as career progression.
Outlining the demands, IMI CEO, Nick Connor, said: ‘As vehicle technologies become increasingly complex, this should be accompanied by proportionate, risk-based assurance in areas where competence has a direct bearing on safety.
‘However, the IMI supports the Chancellor’s ambition to reduce unnecessary regulatory and administrative burdens on business.
‘Rather than creating new regulatory bureaucracy, government should make greater use of established frameworks to demonstrate competence in high-voltage, automated, connected, and alternative fuel vehicle technologies.’
The Autumn Budget will be announced on October 28.