UK faces critical automotive job shortages by 2050, new research reveals

The UK automotive industry is on the brink of a labour crisis, with key roles including HGV drivers, delivery workers and vehicle technicians predicted to face complete shortages within the next 25 years, according to new analysis by Nationwide Vehicle Contracts.

As the sector undergoes rapid transformation—driven by electrification, digitalisation, and evolving consumer demand—the workforce behind it is failing to keep pace. Using search volume analysis and workforce data, the study warns of major disruptions across logistics and mobility unless urgent action is taken.

The most immediate concern is the shortage of HGV drivers. While there was a 20.9% rise in qualified HGV drivers between 2023 and 2024, the role remains one of the most vulnerable. With over 50% of HGV drivers now aged over 50 and a 13.9% pay gap below the national average, the industry faces a full shortfall by 2029.

Recent months have seen vacancies surge past 20,000, with the South East accounting for 13% of those advertised. Online interest is also dwindling—searches for ‘lorry driver jobs’ now sit at just 4,400 per month, suggesting waning appeal among younger workers.

Despite discussions around autonomous freight solutions, Keith Hawes, Director at Nationwide Vehicle Contracts, warns the technology is not ready: “The idea of a 42-tonne lorry being autonomously driven across UK roads still feels far off. It’s unlikely we’ll see this become mainstream before 2050.”

The UK’s reliance on home deliveries also faces disruption, with the report predicting a complete shortage of delivery drivers by 2037. Open vacancies hit 135,000 in April 2025—a staggering 793% rise year-on-year—amid continued demand from e-commerce, supermarkets, and food delivery platforms.

While 246,000 people currently work in delivery roles, an additional 30,000 are urgently needed. Major employers including Royal Mail, Tesco and Just Eat are struggling to fill the gap, with retention and training cited as key challenges.

The UK’s electrification timeline is also under threat. Vehicle technician roles, crucial to servicing electric vehicles, are facing a crisis. Though there are 245,000 technicians working in the UK today, just 24% are qualified to work on EVs. This mismatch could result in a full workforce shortage by 2047, hampering EV adoption and safety standards.

The report highlights that EV maintenance is increasingly IT-based, with vehicle diagnostics and software updates often performed remotely by manufacturers. This shift is accelerating demand for software and IT specialists while reducing the need for traditional mechanical expertise.