New immigration requirements that come into force next month could exacerbate an already extreme skills crisis in the industry, according to the National Body Repair Association (NBRA).
The government has announced that from 4 April it is rising the salary threshold for skilled workers coming to the UK from £26,200 to £38,700.
However, the NBRA has said it is ‘deeply concerned’ that this will exclude a raft of new talent that could otherwise have boosted the UK automotive workforce.
Martyn Rowley, Executive Director, said, “We are deeply concerned about the implications of these new rules on our industry. Our members, who play a vital role in the automotive repair sector, often rely on skilled workers from overseas to fill crucial roles. The automotive repair industry faces a persistent challenge in recruiting and retaining skilled professionals domestically, and the government’s stringent measures exacerbate these difficulties.
“We acknowledge the government’s aim to prioritise investments in the resident workforce. However, it is imperative to recognise the reality of skill shortages and the invaluable contributions of overseas workers to our industry.
“These regulations could disproportionately impact British employees, where due to lack of skilled staff or unstainable wage demands otherwise profitable businesses will be forced to close sites. The NBRA urges the government to reconsider these measures and engage in constructive dialogue with industry stakeholders to address concerns effectively.”
