Workforce Planning and Capacity | Mechanic Shortages at Halfords Lowers Profits

HR managers at Halfords trying to recruit sufficient car mechanics to meet demand must be exhausted.

The Guardian reports here on how Halfords plc, a car parts and bicycle retailer, has issued a profit warning due to difficulties in hiring enough car mechanics.

The shortage of technicians has led to sales at its Autocentre motor servicing garages being focused on less-profitable services, adversely impacting overall profitability.

Halfords has called on the government to do more to encourage people to train as mechanics. It has cited older workers leaving the workforce as another contributing factor - something which other businesses are finding is a problem too.

Why the profits warning? It's because Halford now expects to make annual profits this year of £60m at most, down from the £75m previously hoped for.