The motor trade is full of skilled, hard-working people, and a lot of workplaces have great teams. But some have a culture where being humiliated, ignored or "toughened up" is treated as normal. If you work in a garage, dealership, bodyshop or any part of the automotive industry and you're being bullied, you're not alone, and you don't have to put up with it.

Working in the motor trade and being bullied?
Ben has supported people in the industry for years. Call us free on 08081 311 333 or chat online.

Why bullying can go unchallenged in the trade

Every workplace is different, but there are some features of the motor trade that can make bullying harder to spot and harder to speak up about:

  • Banter culture. Jokes and winding each other up are part of everyday life, which makes it hard to say when it's stopped being funny
  • "It's always been like this." Long-serving staff may see tough treatment as tradition
  • Small teams and family businesses. There may be no HR, and the person bullying you might be the owner, the manager or a relative of one
  • Hierarchy. Between senior technicians, supervisors, service managers and sales managers, there can be a strong pecking order
  • Pressure. Targets, deadlines, waiting customers and commission can raise tempers and be used as a reason for poor behaviour
  • Fear of being "soft". Speaking up can feel like admitting weakness, particularly in male-dominated environments
  • Worry about references and reputation. The industry can feel small, and people worry about being blacklisted

What bullying can look like in a motor trade workplace

  • Being the constant target of "jokes", pranks or nicknames you've asked people to stop
  • Being given the worst jobs, the dirtiest work or the least favourable shifts as a punishment
  • Being set up to fail, for example by being denied tools, information or training
  • Being shouted at or sworn at in front of customers or colleagues
  • Being undermined by a supervisor, service manager or sales manager
  • Being excluded from the team, the group chat or social events
  • Having your work blamed, criticised or deliberately redone
  • Being threatened with the sack, a worse rota or loss of commission
  • Sexist, racist, homophobic or ageist comments dressed up as banter
  • Intimidating or physical behaviour, including throwing tools or "initiation" pranks that go too far
  • Online bullying through WhatsApp groups or social media

Some of these may also be harassment or discrimination, which have extra legal protection.

Who can be affected?

Anyone. But some people may be more vulnerable, including:

  • Apprentices and new starters
  • Women in a male-dominated trade
  • People from ethnic minority backgrounds
  • LGBTQ+ staff
  • Older or younger workers
  • People with disabilities, health conditions or neurodiversity
  • People who speak up about safety, standards or behaviour

Is it banter or bullying?

Banter can be part of a healthy team. The line is crossed when it's one-sided, repeated, hurtful, or continues after you've said stop. See 'Is it bullying or banter? Where's the line'.

What you can do

1. Trust your gut

If it's making you miserable, it matters. You don't need to prove it's "bad enough".

2. Keep a record

Note dates, times, what was said or done, and who saw it.

3. Say something, if you feel safe

A calm "I don't like that, please stop" can work. If it doesn't, or you can't, go to step 4.

4. Tell someone

Depending on where you work, that could be:

  • Your line manager or a more senior manager
  • HR, if there is one (common in larger dealership groups)
  • Your trade union rep, if you have one
  • The owner or director
  • Group HR or a head office contact, if you work for a franchise or dealer group

5. Raise a formal complaint

If informal steps don't work, put it in writing.

6. Get advice and support

  • Ben: call free on 08081 311 333 or chat online
  • ACAS: free, impartial advice (0300 123 1100)
  • Citizens Advice
  • Your GP, if your health is suffering

7. If it's a small business with no HR

You can still keep a record, put your concerns in writing to the owner, and take advice from ACAS or Ben. It's harder when there's no formal process, but you still have rights.

What if I'm worried about my job or my reputation?

It's one of the most common worries. Employers shouldn't treat you unfairly for raising a genuine concern. If you're thinking of leaving, get advice before you resign, as it can affect your rights. We can talk you through your options in confidence.

If you're a manager or business owner

Bullying costs businesses, through staff turnover, sickness, mistakes and reputational damage. Good practice includes:

  • A clear, simple policy that everyone knows
  • Leading by example on respect
  • Noticing who is always the target of the jokes
  • Making it safe to speak up
  • Acting quickly and fairly when something is raised

Frequently asked questions

s it normal to be bullied in a garage?

It's not unusual to hear about it, but it's not acceptable or "normal". You have a right to work without being humiliated or intimidated.

My boss is the bully and there's no HR. What can I do?

Keep records, put your concerns in writing, and get advice from ACAS or Ben.

Is it bullying if everyone gets treated the same way?

Treating everyone badly is still poor behaviour and can still be bullying if it's intimidating or humiliating. It's also not an excuse.

Can Ben help even if I don't want to make a complaint?

Yes. You can talk to us in confidence about how you're feeling and what your options are, without having to take any action.

You don't have to put up with it. Call us free on 08081 311 333 or chat online. We've got your back.