With labour in short supply and demand strong, the tables are certainly on the turn when it comes to rates per hour that garages can charge for a job. 

While most Irish garages are now developing the confidence to charge a fair rate for their skilled and highly professional work, some to continue to under value their service and as a result are often failing to make a reasonable profit margin. This is of course necessary, not just to ensure technicians are on a competitive living wage, but also to combat fast rising costs and the ongoing need to invest in equipment and training. 

Recent figures released by What Car? Magazine, show a similar story in UK aftermarket, where rates vary very considerably by area. Taking a snap shot of 279 garages in various parts of the country, it was found rates ranged from £47 per hour to £141 per hour. 

As you may expect, the highest prices where in London, where both operating costs and labour costs are highest. In contrast Huddersfield, in the North of England had the lowest rate, which would also reflect how certain areas have been far more impacted by the cost of living crisis.