Thinking about changing motor trade jobs before Christmas? You don't necessarily have to wait until January, and starting your job search now doesn't mean you have to resign before the festive break.

Every year, as Christmas approaches, Vehicle Technicians, Service Advisors, Sales Executives and other Motor Trade professionals face a familiar decision. Is it worth looking for another job now, or would it be better to wait until the New Year?

Perhaps you've been unhappy in your current role for a while. Maybe you've spotted a position offering better pay or working hours. Or you might be interested in moving but have commission outstanding, a Christmas bonus approaching or annual leave already booked.

Those are all sensible things to consider. But there's an important distinction between starting a job search, accepting an offer and actually leaving your current employer.

You could begin looking in October or November, attend interviews before Christmas and potentially agree a January start date. Equally, if the right opportunity comes along and the timing works, there may be no reason to delay.

At Perfect Placement, we've specialised in permanent automotive recruitment since 2003. Here's what the latest recruitment evidence tells us, what you should check before handing in your notice and how to decide whether changing jobs before Christmas makes sense for you.

Are Motor Trade Employers Still Recruiting Before Christmas?

Yes. Motor Trade employers can continue recruiting during October, November and December, particularly when they need to replace employees, maintain workshop capacity or prepare for the New Year. Recruitment activity varies between businesses, but there is no reason to assume that every dealership or garage stops hiring as Christmas approaches.

The latest available industry figures provide some useful context.

The Institute of the Motor Industry's August 2026 Vacancy Tracker, published on 1 October 2026, reported approximately 17,000 Motor Trade vacancies across the UK between June and August 2026, an increase of 6% compared with the previous rolling three-month period.

The Motor Trade also recorded a job openings rate of 2.8%, placing it joint second among the 23 industries included in the research.

Meanwhile, the Office for National Statistics' September 2026 vacancy figures estimated that vacancies across the wider UK economy had fallen by 1.1% to 702,000 over the same period.

These figures don't tell us exactly how many Motor Trade vacancies will be available in December, but they demonstrate that automotive recruitment demand remained significant heading into autumn.

Why Would an Employer Recruit So Close to Christmas?

There are several practical reasons why an automotive employer might want to recruit before the end of the year.

Replacing somebody who has left. If a Vehicle Technician, Service Advisor or Sales Executive leaves a business in November, the employer may not want to leave the position vacant for another two months.

Maintaining workshop capacity. Servicing, repairs, diagnostics and MOT testing don't stop simply because Christmas is approaching. A workshop with insufficient technical staff may need to recruit regardless of the time of year.

Preparing for January. Some employers may want to complete interviews and agree an appointment before Christmas so their new employee can start in the New Year.

Finding specialist experience. Recruiting a Master Technician, experienced Aftersales Manager or another specialist professional can take time. Employers may prefer to begin searching as soon as the requirement becomes apparent.

Of course, some businesses will have reduced interview availability around Christmas holidays, and recruitment decisions may take longer if managers are away.

However, a vacancy advertised in November could still be worth pursuing even if your preferred start date is January.

Five Things to Consider Before Changing Motor Trade Jobs at Christmas

The biggest considerations when changing jobs before Christmas are your notice period, outstanding commission or bonuses, annual leave, preferred start date and whether the new role is genuinely better. These factors can have a greater impact on your decision than the month itself.

1. Your Notice Period

Before applying for another position, it's worth checking how much notice you're contractually required to give.

Under Acas guidance on resignation, employees who have worked for an employer for at least one month generally have to give at least one week's notice, although their employment contract may require longer.

Notice periods vary between Motor Trade roles and employers. A Technician might have a different contractual notice period from a Service Manager or General Sales Manager.

For example, if you have a four-week notice period and receive an offer in early November, a December start may be possible. If your notice period is three months, you could be looking at a start date well into the New Year.

You may be able to agree an earlier departure with your employer, but you shouldn't assume this will be possible.

When speaking to recruiters or attending interviews, provide an accurate notice period rather than promising a start date you might not be able to meet.

2. Outstanding Commission and Christmas Bonuses

If your earnings include commission or performance-related bonuses, check what happens to those payments if you resign. This is particularly important for Car Sales Executives, Service Advisors and management professionals whose overall earnings can include substantial variable payments.

For example, a Sales Executive may have completed vehicle sales but not yet received the associated commission. An Aftersales professional might be expecting a quarterly performance payment, while a manager could be due an annual bonus.

Leaving before the payment date could have financial consequences, depending on the terms of your employment contract and the relevant scheme.

Acas guidance on commission explains that contractual terms should address what happens to commission when employment ends, including payments earned but not yet received.

Its guidance on bonuses when employment ends also explains that some schemes have conditions relating to continued employment or whether somebody is serving notice.

Before handing in your resignation, check:

• Whether you've earned commission that hasn't yet been paid.
• When your next bonus or incentive payment is due.
• Whether you need to remain employed on the payment date.
• Whether serving notice affects your eligibility.
• Whether any additional contractual conditions apply.

Don't automatically assume that all outstanding commission will be lost if you leave. Equally, don't assume every bonus will be paid regardless of when you resign.

If a significant payment is approaching, understanding the terms before making your decision could make a real financial difference.

3. Annual Leave and Christmas Shutdowns

Annual leave can make moving jobs around Christmas more complicated, particularly if you've already booked time off or your employer closes for part of the festive period.

Some dealerships and garages operate reduced opening hours over Christmas, while others remain open with different staffing arrangements. Your new employer may have a completely different holiday policy from your current one.

If you're planning to leave, check how much annual leave you've accrued and whether you've taken more or less than your entitlement.

According to Acas guidance on holidays and final pay, employees must be paid for accrued, untaken statutory holiday when their employment ends.

If you've taken more holiday than you've accrued, your employer may be able to make a deduction from your final pay where this has been agreed in writing or is provided for in your contract.

Additional contractual holiday may be treated differently, so it's important to check your terms.

We've covered this in more detail in our guide to unused annual leave when leaving a job.

If you have Christmas leave already booked, mention it during the recruitment process. Don't assume that previously approved holiday will automatically transfer to a new employer.

4. Whether You Want to Start Before Christmas or in January

There's no single right answer to this question. The best start date depends on your circumstances and what the prospective employer can accommodate.

Starting before Christmas may suit you if:

• You're ready to leave your current position.
• You have no significant commission or bonus payments outstanding.
• Your notice period allows a straightforward move.
• The employer needs somebody to start promptly.
• You'd prefer to settle into your new role before January.

A January start may suit you if:

• You have an important bonus or commission payment approaching.
• You have Christmas leave or family commitments already arranged.
• Your notice period naturally takes you into the New Year.
• You'd prefer to complete your current commitments before moving.

There's also a third option: start your search before Christmas, see what's available and make a decision once you've found a suitable opportunity.

You don't have to decide when you're resigning before you've even attended an interview.

5. Whether the New Job Is Actually Better

It's easy to focus on the timing of a move and overlook the bigger question. Is the new position genuinely going to improve your working life?

For a Vehicle Technician, a better opportunity might mean a higher basic salary, improved workshop equipment, access to manufacturer training or more manageable working hours.

For a Car Sales Executive, it could mean a more achievable commission structure, better earning potential or a dealership representing a product range they're interested in selling.

For a Service Advisor, the attraction might be a shorter commute, a more manageable workload or a better-supported aftersales department.

Our article on whether it's time for a new Motor Trade job explores some of the signs that a change could be worthwhile.

When comparing opportunities, look beyond the advertised salary and consider the complete package.

• What is the guaranteed basic salary?
• How realistic is the advertised OTE?
• What are the working hours and weekend commitments?
• Are there opportunities for training and progression?
• How does the commute compare?
• What do you know about the working environment?
• Does the role support your longer-term career plans?

A suitable position starting in January may be a much better decision than rushing into an unsuitable one in November.

Should You Start Looking Now or Wait Until January?

For most people considering a career move, there's little harm in exploring opportunities before Christmas, even if they aren't ready to resign. Starting your search doesn't commit you to accepting an offer, and it gives you time to understand what's available.

Why Starting Your Search Early Can Help

Beginning your search in October or November gives you the opportunity to compare salaries, working arrangements, employers and potential career progression without feeling that you have to make an immediate decision.

You might discover that your current package is competitive. Alternatively, you could find that employers in your area are offering better basic salaries, more suitable hours or opportunities that aren't available in your current workplace.

Recruitment processes also take time. An employer may want to arrange an initial interview, a second meeting or a technical assessment before making an offer.

Allowing time for those stages can make the process more manageable, particularly when interview availability becomes limited around Christmas holidays.

If you're concerned about looking for another position while still employed, our guide to looking for a new job before leaving your current employer explains how to approach the process.

When Waiting Until January Might Make Sense

There are circumstances where delaying your resignation, or even postponing an active job search, may be the sensible option.

You might have a significant bonus due, want to complete a qualification or need to resolve a contractual issue before moving.

You might also be happy in your current position and only interested in leaving if something particularly appealing becomes available.

If that's the case, there's no reason to rush.

However, waiting until January should be a conscious decision based on your circumstances rather than an assumption that nobody will be recruiting before then.

How to Prepare for a Motor Trade Job Search Before Christmas

If you've decided to explore your options, a little preparation can make the process considerably easier.

1. Review your current package.
Make a note of your basic salary, typical earnings, commission, bonuses, benefits, working hours and contractual notice period.

2. Decide what you want from your next role.
Think about salary, location, working conditions, career progression and the type of employer you'd like to work for.

3. Update your CV.
Include relevant experience, qualifications, manufacturer training and recent achievements. Focus on what you've actually done rather than simply listing responsibilities.

4. Be upfront about your availability.
If you'd prefer a January start, say so. It's better to discuss timing early than reach the offer stage with different expectations.

5. Keep your job search confidential.
Agree with your recruiter how your details will be shared with prospective employers, particularly if you're currently employed within the same local Motor Trade market.

6. Review the formal offer before resigning.
Make sure you understand the salary, commission structure, working hours, benefits, conditions and proposed start date.

If you haven't interviewed for several years, you may also find our guide to attending a Motor Trade job interview after years in one role useful.

And if you've found a position that interests you but don't meet every requirement, read our advice on whether to apply for a Motor Trade job when you don't meet every requirement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is December a bad time to look for a Motor Trade job?
Not necessarily. Some employers may have fewer interview dates available because of annual leave or Christmas opening arrangements, but vacancies can still arise. The availability of suitable positions depends on your experience, location and the role you're looking for.

Can I accept a job in November and start in January?
Yes, provided the employer agrees to the proposed start date. Be upfront about your availability and make sure the agreed date is included in your formal offer documentation.

Will I lose my Christmas bonus if I resign?
That depends on your employment contract and bonus scheme. Some schemes require employees to remain employed on the payment date or not to be serving notice. Check the relevant terms before making a decision.

What happens to unpaid commission if I leave a dealership?
Your entitlement depends on your contractual terms and the circumstances. Check what your commission scheme says about payments earned but not yet received when employment ends.

Will I be paid for unused annual leave if I leave before Christmas?
You must normally receive payment for accrued, untaken statutory annual leave when your employment ends. Different terms may apply to additional contractual holiday.

Should I resign before receiving a written job offer?
It's generally safer to wait until you've received and reviewed a formal written offer, understood any conditions and agreed your intended start date. Avoid resigning solely on the basis of an informal conversation.

Our Advice: Don't Let the Calendar Make the Decision for You

Christmas can make changing jobs feel more complicated than it needs to be.

There are notice periods to consider, commission payments to check and family commitments that may already be in the diary. But none of those things means you have to put your career plans on hold until January.

If you're unhappy in your current role or simply interested in finding out what other opportunities are available, there's nothing wrong with starting the conversation now.

You might find a position that makes an immediate move worthwhile. You might secure an offer with a January start date. Or you might decide that staying where you are for a little longer is the better choice.

If you'd rather progress without changing employers, our guide to asking for more responsibility in your Motor Trade career explores another option.

You don't need to hand in your notice before Christmas to start planning your next career move.

About the Author

Ashley Camies
As Marketing & Automation Manager at Perfect Placement, Ashley Camies has 14 years of automotive recruitment experience. Since 2011, she has supported motor trade employers and candidates across the UK, using first-hand recruitment data and experience to produce practical guidance on automotive careers, salaries and hiring trends.