Tech job vacancies hit 10-year high amid soaring demand for digital skills

Tech job opportunities have hit a 10-year high as the demand for skilled workers outgrows the level of digital skills available in the UK, according to new data.

As revealed in a report from Tech Nation, data from job search engine Adzuna shows that tech roles currently make up 14% of all job opportunities in the UK with 870,000 tech and digital job vacancies available between January and May 2022. This is an increase from 11% in 2019.

While a number of tech companies have revealed plans to cut staff – such as the online car seller Cazoo and events platform Hopin – the research has found that as a whole, the tech sector in the UK is continuing to grow.

The most in-demand job title identified by the research was software developer, but there has also been a strong increase in the demand for cybersecurity professionals.

“The UK is enjoying a golden age in tech. Not only are we one of the best places in the world to start digital businesses, but there are countless opportunities for people to enter the sector and flourish in their careers,” said digital secretary Nadine Dorries.

“We’re working hard to open doors for people from all walks of life so that they can gain the skills and knowledge needed to make the most of our booming tech industry.”

Dorries in June called for tech companies looking to fill vacancies with top talent to consider recruiting from under-represented backgrounds.

Tech Nation’s report also found that demand for experienced tech workers with deeply established skills was far higher than entry-level tech hires, indicating a lack of digital skills experience in the UK.

“The shortage of tech skills is a huge challenge to companies everywhere, but it also means incredible opportunities are being opened up to well-paid, long-term careers,” said Euan Blair, CEO and founder of edtech unicorn Multiverse.

Rachel Maher, director of talent acquisition, International HQ, NetApp told UKTN: “Education and empowerment will be the true determining success factors for technology talent in a data-literate world – so up-skilling staff is key and must never become a tick-box exercise.”