United Kingdom
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In 2025, the UK manufacturing sector is still grappling with a persistent labour shortage. While some progress has been made since the sector’s post-COVID dire straits, failure to invest in worker wellbeing and robust health and safety practices continues to undermine long-term growth.
In this article, we discuss the state of the labour shortage and explain why ergonomics is the missing link in the UK manufacturing sector’s recovery efforts.
Is There a Labour Shortage in UK Manufacturing in 2025?
Yes — the UK labour shortage in manufacturing is an ongoing issue in 2025.
According to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), there are currently around 49,000 unfilled manufacturing roles across the UK. This is a clear improvement upon the 96,000 peak recorded between March and May of 2022 — but it remains well above pre-COVID rates.
This suggests that the 2024 data published in the ‘Now Hiring’ report produced by The Manufacturer is still relevant today:
- 97.5% of UK manufacturers say retaining skilled labour is a significant challenge.
- 36% list recruitment difficulties as one of their biggest barriers to growth.
- 32% also cite talent retention as a top concern.
- Competition from higher-paying industries is drawing workers away from manufacturing altogether.
These numbers confirm that the UK labour shortage is far from resolved. While automation and reshoring efforts have helped in some areas, the human element remains critical — and it’s where many firms are still falling short.
So what’s keeping workers away? Pay and benefits matter, but they’re not the whole story.
How Poor Ergonomics Is Contributing to Labour and Skill Shortages in UK Manufacturing
Not only can poor ergonomics in manufacturing lead to chronic injuries, it can lead to heightened risks of life-threatening incidents. This makes the sector an increasingly tough sell for new talent and limits lateral movement of labour within the sector.
Musculoskeletal Disorders in Manufacturing
There’s no ignoring the fact that manufacturing is an inherently physical and comparatively dangerous sector. From manual handling requirements to hazardous substances and the near constant presence of heavy machinery, there’s a lot that can go wrong when appropriate protections aren’t put in place.
According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), approximately 40% of all work-related ill health in manufacturing is caused by musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), which are often a sign of ergonomic shortcomings.
When unaddressed, MSDs can lead to chronic, long-term injuries. No longer able to perform the physical acts required of manufacturing roles, experienced workers are often then given no choice but to leave the sector altogether.
MSDs also contribute to presenteeism, where workers come in despite pain or fatigue, potentially putting themselves and others at risk. The British Safety Council has warned about the dangers of this — citing examples like a forklift driver with reduced reaction times due to pain-related distraction.
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The Wider Impact of MSDs on Workforce Resilience
The effect of ergonomics isn’t limited to physical injuries. There is also a growing body of evidence connecting MSDs with mental health issues, particularly stress, anxiety, and depression.
In fact, the HSE reports that 41% of all work-related ill health in manufacturing stems from mental health conditions — mirroring the rate of MSD-related ill health within the sector almost exactly.
This is no coincidence, and, taken together, these figures explain why manufacturing consistently ranks among the worst industries in the UK for employee wellbeing. When physical discomfort and mental fatigue become the norm, roles become harder to fill, and harder to stay in — worsening the very labour shortages the sector is trying to solve.
Despite this, uptake of comprehensive ergonomic programmes in manufacturing remains slow. General safety procedures may be in place, but ergonomics is still often treated as an afterthought — a missed opportunity, and a growing liability.
When manufacturers can’t always compete with other sectors on salary, investing in safety, wellbeing, and ease of work becomes a competitive advantage. Workers need to feel protected, valued, and supported. And that starts with the systems that surround them every day.
For forward-thinking manufacturers, the challenges discussed here also represent an opportunity. By embedding ergonomics into everyday operations, businesses can improve retention, reduce risk, and make roles more attractive across the board. The question now is how to deliver that effectively, at scale.
Tackle Labour Shortages with Healthy Working Pro
Ergonomic risk is a growing threat to workforce retention in UK manufacturing — but identifying and addressing that risk doesn’t have to be slow, complex, or resource-heavy.
Healthy Working Pro is our industrial ergonomics risk management software designed to streamline assessments, reporting, and intervention tracking — all in one platform.
With 13+ globally recognised assessment tools, instant reporting features, and built-in task analysis, it helps safety teams and HR professionals quickly pinpoint issues and take meaningful action before injuries escalate.
Whether you’re managing a single site or scaling a wider ergonomics programme across your business, Healthy Working Pro gives you the tools to:
- Capture ergonomic data efficiently on-site or remotely
- Score and report on risks instantly — no spreadsheets required
- Identify trends, consolidate actions, and improve overall programme performance
These capabilities enable you to take proactive steps to protect and strengthen your workforce, safeguarding your business against ongoing labour and skills shortages, and supporting sustainable growth even in challenging economic conditions.
