Halfords launches recruitment drive to create 700 UK jobs

A UK biking and automotive specialist has announced that it is aiming to create hundreds of jobs across the country.

Halfords, which has more than 400 stores and 370 garages, is recruiting for more than 700 roles.

The jobs will span vehicle technicians, MOT testers, cycle and auto technicians, store and autocentre colleagues, as well as supervisor and management roles.

The company said that this comes after an “exceptionally strong” year, and said that the recruitment drive is part of its aim to “stay ahead of the game”.

Halfords runs four purpose-built training academies in Basingstoke, Northampton, Bolton and Halifax, and spent £1m on technician training in the last year alone.

Andy McBride, group head of resourcing at Halfords, commented: “Our strategy of focusing on services is paying dividends as more and more people turn to us for fitting and repairs.

“At the same time, the acceleration in the adoption of electric vehicles is creating new opportunities in our garages.

“The UK faces a skills gap in electric technicians. As a nation we need to be training technicians at twice the current rate.

“We’re determined to ensure we stay ahead of the game and play our part in helping people transition to electric forms of transport.”