If you have ever tried to get assistance from your local TD on a matter relating to the motor industry then you might not be too surprised by the results of a new survey that shows policy makers are out of touch with the automotive world.

An IMI UK survey of 99 Members of Parliament from across the political spectrum has found most to be badly out of touch with what is going on in the industry and under estimate its importance as a revenue generator and employer. Worse still many MP’s were found to be perpetuating many motor trade stereotypes about dirty back street businesses.

Over 50% of MPs thought the sector was low skilled, low paid and dirty and this is a cause for concern according to IMI CEO Steve Nash. He commented, “There is a terrible confusion in Parliament about the people in our industry. They understand that large numbers of hard working people make their living in it, and that millions of vehicle owners depend on them to keep them on the road. Beyond this they are quite happy to perpetuate unhelpful stereotypes of a grimy back street trade.  This attitude is not helping the public to understand the level of skill necessary to work in our sector.”

The IMI will be calling for MPs to support licensing system for the UK automotive sector in the autumn.