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

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

Ben

Automotive industry charity, 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:

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 or chat online at www.ben.org.uk.

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Note to editors:

About Ben:
Ben is the charity dedicated to supporting the people of the automotive industry, providing health and wellbeing support for life for them and their family dependents. Ben delivers life-changing and often lifesaving support for those who are struggling or in crisis.

Ben supports individuals to navigate through life’s challenges, empowering them to make positive, lasting change. Ben works with people to improve their lives by enhancing their health and wellbeing through its free and confidential online and digital self-help, through its helpline, support and specialist services.

Ben’s support empowers automotive people to better manage their health and wellbeing, helping them to think well, feel well, live well and, in turn, work well. Ben’s provides tailored support, relevant to the needs of each individual, based on a wide range of support options available and addresses every aspect of a person’s life. For more information about Ben, visit www.ben.org.uk.

For further information, please contact:

Leila Moss-Kelly
Communications Lead, Ben
leila.moss-kelly@ben.org.uk
Direct dial: 01344 298 126