The Motor Ombudsman has partnered with automotive industry charity Ben to create ‘Steer’, a printed and free-to-download, quick-reference guide to help automotive businesses recognise and support their workers encountering mental health and wellbeing challenges.
These are often driven by a whole host of factors from both within and outside Steer, the workplace, and impact individuals of any age and background.
The introduction of the new resource comes in response to a survey of independent garages and franchise dealer workshops undertaken by The Motor Ombudsman towards the end of last year. The research found that increasing pressures on the mental and physical health of industry people due to rising bills and the cost of living, was a primary concern for nearly half (49%) of vehicle repairers, when it came to their workforce.
These findings were echoed in Ben’s latest annual Health and Wellbeing survey results, which polled over 1,000 automotive workers across the UK about their personal health and wellbeing challenges over the past 12 months. The report revealed stress (57%), poor sleep (52%) and anxiety (44%) are the top three health and wellbeing issues for today’s automotive employees.
Highlighting the impact of these issues amidst increasing financial pressures, where household bills saw another marked rise in April, these respective figures are higher than those seen last year, and above the national average.
Steer has been jointly designed and written by The Motor Ombudsman and Ben, two experts in their respective fields, with the objective of further raising awareness of how mental health struggles can play a significant part in influencing workforce morale, engagement and performance.
In addition, it outlines practical strategies and guidance, as well as signposting readers to resources for how to approach and support those who may be encountering challenges.
Sales have flattened in Europe, adding to makers worries as they spend more on the new generation of electric cars.
Western Europe’s passenger vehicle (PV – cars) annualised selling rate stood at 10.9 million units/year in May, down from the 11.2 million units/year observed for April.
Sales volumes totalled just under 1 million new vehicles, a 2% improvement YoY. YTD sales are now just under 5 million units, broadly flat compared to the same period in 2024.
Spain continues to shine as the standout performer, while the French market is among those grappling with YoY losses.
