The Role of Automation in Addressing the UK Labour Shortage

The UK manufacturing sector faces mounting challenges in securing both skilled and unskilled labour. Factors such as Brexit, inflation, limited funding access, and governmental shifts have exacerbated the issue, impacting industries like equipment manufacturing, distribution, and logistics. The statistics back this up, with a survey by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) revealing that 71% of businesses had been affected by labour shortages in the year before October 2023.

There’s clear potential to address the labour shortages through the adoption of automation and robotics. And BARA (the British Automation and Robot Association) has a key role to play; guiding companies in leveraging automation to maintain productivity levels despite the workforce challenges. Read on as we give an overview of the initiatives and support offered by the leading association for the Robot and Automation industries.

Lack of Labour

While labour shortages have been a long-standing issue for UK manufacturers, the situation has worsened over recent years. 77% of respondents to the CBI survey confirmed that limited access to skills is threatening the UK’s current labour market competitiveness. Contributing factors include inadequate skill development opportunities, negative perceptions of manufacturing jobs, and an ageing workforce heading into retirement.

Manufacturers have attempted to address the issue through the recruitment of contractors across multiple sites and locations. However, this approach has led to compromises in quality, compliance breaches, and incidents. An increasing number of manufacturers are realising the potential to plug the skills gaps through the adoption of automation and robotics.

Automation as a Solution

Introduced with the aim of freeing human workers from jobs in the dull, dangerous, and dirty categories, robotics and automated technologies also enable greater productivity and consistency. Given the array of benefits, it’s not surprising that the levels of technological investment are growing.

79% of respondents to Automate UK’s industry survey of 2024 confirmed that they had seen automation growth in the manufacturing sector. The International Federation of Robotics reported a record 3,830 robot installations (representing a 51% year-on-year rise). There’s also evidence of changing attitudes towards automation, with the “robots take jobs myth” giving way to a perception that the adoption of new technology is a change for the good.

Wider adoption has been predicted, with the CBI reporting that 60% of manufacturers plan to increase their investment in automation over the next two years. However, significant challenges remain, with the UK’s robot density considerably below that of nations such as Denmark, Sweden, and the Netherlands.

There are positive signs that the UK’s manufacturers are waking up to the technological possibilities. However, the optimum integration and use of such technologies will depend on the availability of human workers with new and specialised skills. BARA continues to support these aims through educational and promotional activities; taking a leading role in the organisation of conferences, seminars, and exhibitions.

BARA’s Support

Working in close partnership with organisations such as UKIVA (UK Industrial Vision Association) and the IFR (International Federation of Robotics), BARA is focused on promoting the use and development of Industrial Robots and Automation in British industry. They publish simple how-to guides, outlining the steps and factors that manufacturers should be thinking about as they embark on the automation journey. Members are also offered independent consultation, for confidence in the optimal selection and integration of robotic systems. And quality is ensured through the selection of integrators to have passed BARA’s recently introduced certification programme.

From webinars to details of subsidised training courses, there are a variety of BARA resources to explore on the Automate UK website. We encourage you to review the available support and connect with BARA to find out how automation can help mitigate the impact of labour shortages. Discover how you can support tomorrow’s skills, today.