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Category: Charity
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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:
- Free online tools at www.ben.org.uk/work
Ben provides tips and advice on CVs and cover letters, redundancy rights, interview preparation and job‑hunting.
- One‑to‑one support and coaching:
- Practical support for people who are looking for work or to re-train
- Information, advice & guidance for managing money and maximising benefits
- Advice on redundancy and stress management
- Access to digital money worries and mental health support programmes on SilverCloud: www.ben.org.uk/silvercloud
- Coaching to help improve confidence and motivation, which are commonly affected during periods of uncertainty related to employment: www.ben.org.uk/lifecoaching
- Ben works with several automotive companies that provide relevant career tips, information and guidance for automotive people, including:
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.”
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Thousands of supply chain staff and families facing weeks without pay urged to contact Ben’s bespoke helpline to access support.
The Motor and Allied Trades Benevolent Fund (Ben) is offering bespoke support to the thousands of people affected by the ongoing cyber attack at Jaguar Land Rover (JLR).
Since 1 September, JLR has experienced a cyber attack that has shut down production at its three manufacturing sites in the UK. The estimated number of people impacted is 120,000, including 50-75,000 supply chain workers, 30-40,000 family members, and 5-8,000 agency staff.
Ben has launched a bespoke campaign, offering practical and emotional support, guiding employers and workers to all the financial and mental health resources available to support those impacted by the cyber attack.
The UK Government has announced a £1.5 billion loan to support JLR and its supply chain restart operations. However, many people working in the sector have already acutely felt the effects of a month without work or payment.
Rachel Clift, CEO at Ben, said: "The impact of the cyber attack has already been deeply felt across the supplier workforce, and the need for support remains urgent. While the Government loan is a positive step towards recovery, we don’t yet know how quickly funds will reach suppliers who were forced to shut down production.
“For many, this means starting up again after almost a month without work – a challenge that brings its own financial and emotional pressures. Small and medium-sized suppliers in particular face significant hurdles: cashflow disruption, staff who may have gone weeks without pay, and the practical and emotional strain of restarting operations at pace. These difficulties risk leaving workers and families in very vulnerable positions.
“We want everyone affected to know that help is here and support is available. Whether it’s financial assistance, mental health support, or practical advice, we are committed to standing alongside the automotive community as it navigates this difficult period."
The pause in production at JLR has already had a significant impact on the UK economy, contributing to the rapid decline in productivity for the UK’s manufacturing sector.
Rachel Clift continues: "We know that it’s vital that production can start again swiftly. This will require a resilient workforce across JLR and its supply chain. We want to work alongside the UK Government and other key stakeholders to ensure that all the necessary support is in place for workers to restart production without barriers."
Anyone affected by the JLR cyber attack can access support from Ben by visiting www.ben.org.uk/cyber-attack, emailing [email protected], or calling Ben’s confidential helpline on 0808 131 1333.
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Today, Ben is inviting its automotive family to get ready and spread festive cheer by signing up to Christmas Jumper Day and sending Ben Christmas cards, which raise vital funds in support of those struggling or in crisis.
Ben is cranking up festivities this winter by inviting the whole automotive community to get involved in its Christmas Jumper Day on Friday 12 December, or any day that month. Participants simply sign up, wear their most dazzling (or delightfully dreadful) Christmas jumper, round up colleagues and collect a £3 donation per person - the cost of a coffee. It’s the perfect opportunity to get together, have some festive fun and spark change for industry colleagues facing hardship.
For over 35 years, Ben has also been selling its unique, motor-themed Christmas cards, some of which are designed by renowned motoring artist, Richard Wheatland. There is a new automotive design for 2025 to appeal to avid Wheatland collectors and new buyers alike. In addition, Ben’s shop is selling e-cards and Christmas essentials like wrapping paper and tags.
Support Ben this Christmas
- Get involved in Christmas Jumper Day: click here
- Buy Ben’s cards and Christmas essentials: click here
Cost-of-living pressures continue to bite and, this winter, there will be many families worried about keeping the roof over their heads, heat in their homes and putting food on the table. By donning a festive knit on Christmas Jumper Day and sending Ben Christmas cards, you will be spreading festive cheer while giving hope to those struggling in our automotive family. Funds raised will also bring gifts to go under the tree and put smiles on faces this Christmas.
Matt Wigginton, Director of Growth & Development, said: “We can’t wait to start the festivities and we hope our whole automotive family will get involved! Why not turn your office into a festive spectacle for the day; run a competition for the tackiest jumper or ‘most creative knit selfie’; or raffle a Ben bear to raise vital funds. Christmas Jumper Day is such an easy one to get involved in and it helps everyone to get into the festive spirit.
“Also, by sending Ben Christmas cards, you’re raising awareness about Ben, as well as raising funds. Fundraising has never been more important for us - it’s still really tough out there and thousands of people in our automotive family urgently need us. Together, we can make a life-changing, often life-saving, difference to the lives of our automotive family so please get involved today.”
Ben also wants to ensure automotive people know they can turn to Ben if they need support.
The charity is here for automotive industry people this winter so if you work, or have worked, in the automotive industry we urge you to get in touch now if you’re at breaking point via our free and confidential helpline. Don't suffer in silence, contact our helpline: 08081 311 333 or use our webchat at www.ben.org.uk.
When any member of our automotive family is struggling or in crisis, we all rally to support them.
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Automotive industry charity, Ben, today reveals that a former car valuer turned performance poet, John Cassidy from Nottingham, has released his debut book of automotive-inspired poetry, parody and satire, following a transformative coaching journey.
John, a talented writer and performer who is also neurodivergent, walked away from a dealership career in late 2024 after recognising his heart was no longer in it. Feeling increasingly detached and overwhelmed, he reached out to Ben for coaching at a pivotal moment in his life.
Now known as The Car Showroom Poet, John’s new book marks a remarkable personal and professional rebirth, enabled by Ben’s tailored support. Through six coaching sessions, he gained the structure, belief and clarity needed to bring his creative ambitions to life. He was then able to break down overwhelming goals into manageable steps, completing a book manuscript and also prepared his one‑man show at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2025.
The book, now on sale through Amazon, blends reflective memoir, poetry, parody, satire and the lived experience of working in the automotive industry.
John said: “Reaching out to Ben felt like someone finally saw me and understood that my journey, although unconventional, was valid. Coaching helped me break my ambitions of writing a book into bite‑sized steps, turning inner chaos into real progress.
“By the time we finished my final coaching session, I held a completed manuscript in my hands, ready for publishing. The process helped me refine my writing and helped me believe in myself - that I am a writer. My book is truly unique and will appeal to car and poetry enthusiasts, but it also straddles memoir, songwriting, media and comedy. I would recommend Ben’s coaching to anyone in the industry who feels stuck in their personal or professional lives - it truly changed my life.”
To read and watch John’s full story, visit www.ben.org.uk/johncstory.
Ben’s free and confidential coaching service is open to anyone who works or has worked in the UK automotive industry. For more information, visit www.ben.org.uk/lifecoaching.
To purchase your copy of The Car Showroom Poet book, visit: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1806233428
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Automotive industry charity, Ben, today highlights the ongoing cost-of-living pressures faced by automotive families and launches the third year of its summer holidays support programme.
Ben is spreading the word that the charity is here for families and individuals who are struggling with money worries, debt or urgent financial need this summer and beyond. Ben’s summer holidays support programme continues to provide families with essentials, including food; bills; school uniforms; emotional support and an opportunity to spend quality time together on a day out or activity, creating precious memories as a family.
In the past year, Ben’s helpline supported over 15,000 enquiries and over 700 financial grants were administered to those struggling with money. And, according to Ben’s latest research, money worries remain a big problem for automotive workers, with many still impacted by cost-of-living pressures. 1 in 6 people reported skipping meals, 1 in 5 have experienced issues with debt and 1 in 4 of those considering leaving the industry reported they had financial problems.
With the summer holidays now in full swing, this time of year can be even more challenging for parents. Additional costs add up with children at home and activities, childcare, back-to-school items such as uniforms, bags and PE kits add to the financial strain. This is why Ben is urging automotive families to get in touch if they need support and quality time together. Ben’s purpose is to empower its automotive family to live their best lives – and family time is an integral part of that.
Families who have received Ben’s support recently said:
- “This is amazing.... I don't even know how to thank you for all the help and support.”
- “Thank you again for even taking the time to support me and my family.”
- “Thank you for being there for me. It means a lot.”
- “All uniforms are now purchased. Thanks to you I have one less thing to worry about.
The BMTA Trust is bolstering Ben’s summer support programme this year by providing £3,000 towards costs.
Rachel Clift, Ben’s CEO, said: “While summer should be an enjoyable time when families come together, it can bring real stress for those facing money worries. Ben’s new vision of an automotive family that thinks well, feels well, lives well and works well, focuses on a person’s whole life, including family and loved ones who play a big part in our overall health and wellbeing. That’s why, in addition to vital financial assistance, we’re helping families create meaningful experiences during the holidays, whether that’s a fun day out or a shared activity, that create lasting memories.
“Cost-of-living pressures continue to hit home, and our latest annual health and wellbeing survey found that stress and financial concerns remain among the biggest challenges for our sector. That’s why our purpose of empowering our automotive family to live their best lives is so important – we want to help people thrive.
“It’s vital we spread the word - Ben is here for automotive families this summer and beyond. We urge anyone feeling the financial strain to reach out early, as this can make all the difference.”
How to access Ben’s support
Ben’s helpline and services are available to anyone working, or who has worked, in the automotive industry, plus their family dependents.
Sign up to receive tips, advice and tools from Ben at www.ben.org.uk/signup and, for online support with money, visit www.ben.org.uk/money.
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