The Workforce Shift: How manufacturers can adapt to new people challenges
The HR Bulletin Q3 report showed that recruitment is slowing, skills gaps are widening and pay pressure is steadying after years of volatility.
Our latest workforce data shows manufacturers are facing a new phase, one that calls for stronger planning, smarter skills development and confident leadership.
The Workforce Shift brings together insight from Make UK’s HR and Employment experts to help businesses respond to what’s changing in the workplace: how people, pay and policy are shaping the future of manufacturing.
Each of the six articles below connects current data to practical steps you can take right now, from managing recruitment freezes to preparing for policy reform.
Recruitment slowdown
Vacancies have fallen to their lowest level this year, but the people challenges have not stopped. Learn how to use this slowdown to review your workforce, redeploy talent and plan ahead with confidence.
Persistent skills shortages
Seventy-four per cent of manufacturers say technical skills shortages are their biggest barrier to recruitment. This piece looks at how to develop capability from within through learning, leadership and smarter retention.
Pay stability
Pay awards have steadied at around three per cent, giving employers space to focus on fairness, performance and engagement. Find out how to design a reward strategy that works for both people and business.
Ageing workforce
More than 70 per cent of manufacturers now have employees working beyond state pension age. Explore how to create age-friendly workplaces that value experience while planning for succession.
Regional and sector insights
Workforce pressures look different across the UK and within each part of manufacturing. This article explores how local context shapes recruitment and retention, and how to plan with that in mind.
Policy outlook
With the Employment Rights Bill soon to become law employers need to prepare now. This piece shows how to align your people processes with the reforms ahead.
Shaping your workforce plans with confidence
If you’d like tailored support with workforce planning,
skills or HR strategy, get in touch.