Ben strengthens ‘Work, health & wellbeing’ support amid job losses and skills shortages in the automotive industry

Ben is strengthening support for those facing job losses and redundancies, including raising awareness about coaching to help people with upskilling, job seeking, career changes and building confidence.

With UK automotive production down nearly 12% in the first half of 2025 and suppliers announcing thousands of redundancies, Ben is raising awareness about its Work, health & wellbeing support. At the same time, industry analysts warn of labour shortages in the automotive supply chain, projecting the need for 111,400 new and replacement automotive roles by 2035, including demand for 45,800 vehicle technicians.

Ben’s ‘Work, health & wellbeing’ services include:

Free online tools at www.ben.org.uk/work
Ben provides tips and advice on CVs and cover letters, redundancy rights, interview preparation and job‑hunting.

One‑to‑one support and coaching:

• Practical support for people who are looking for work or to re-train
• Information, advice & guidance for managing money and maximising benefits 
• Advice on redundancy and stress management
• Access to digital money worries and mental health support programmes on SilverCloud: www.ben.org.uk/silvercloud
• Coaching to help improve confidence and motivation, which are commonly affected during periods of uncertainty related to employment: www.ben.org.uk/lifecoaching 
• Ben works with several automotive companies that provide relevant career tips, information and guidance for automotive people, including: 
  • Rygor and its dedicated careers hub: www.rygorcareers.co.uk
  • The IMI careers site: https://tide.theimi.org.uk/motor-careers/getting-automotive 
  • The SMMT careers guide: www.smmt.co.uk/automotive-intelligence/workforce-of-the-future/#Automotive-Careers-Guide

Rachel Clift, CEO at Ben, said: “Work is an incredibly important part of our lives and contributes to our overall health and wellbeing. As well as providing the financial security we all need, work provides us with social connections and helps us build confidence, self-esteem and a sense of purpose. 

“The automotive industry is simultaneously grappling with redundancies and a long-term technician shortage. Ben’s services provide both more urgent support for those facing job losses and associated money worries as well as pre‑emptive preparation for those looking for a career change, pivoting into new roles or sectors.

“We’re also pleased to work with some fantastic organisations such as Rygor, IMI and the SMMT which have created fantastic resources which are useful for those reaching out for support. These are challenging times. We want automotive people to know that Ben is here for them and can provide the support they need. If you’ve lost your job or your role’s at risk of redundancy, please get in touch.”

Kate Ruberry-Shoemack, Director of People and Communications at Rygor, said: “At Rygor, we believe in empowering individuals to take charge of their career journeys, especially in times of uncertainty. Our Careers Hub offers practical tools to help people feel confident and capable as they navigate their job search or consider a new career direction and our Self-Development Journal also supports people on their journey. We’re proud to partner with Ben and support automotive people in building resilience, upskilling and unlocking new opportunities.”

Guest article
You can also read a new guest article by Kate Ruberry-Shoemack about attracting and retaining top talent, by visiting www.ben.org.uk/acceleratingcareersarticle 

Get help
We’re here for you. If you need Ben’s support, call 08081 311 333, email supportservices@ben.org.uk and find more ways to get in touch at www.ben.org.uk/gethelp. 

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