IT hiring surges as cybersecurity skills shortage bites

Nearly half (45%) of UK employers are planning to increase permanent IT & Technology staff with a further 36% turning to contract talent to urgently address skill shortages, especially in cybersecurity, despite cybersecurity and machine learning experts commanding premium salaries underscoring the pressure on this talent pipeline, according to new research from Robert Half.

While AI continues to reshape the tech landscape, findings from Robert Half’s latest Hiring Intentions data shows that employers are prioritizing security and infrastructure as key areas for investment.  Cybersecurity topped the list of in-demand skills, with 48% of respondents identifying it as a priority for recruitment, with a further 42% of businesses indicating that they are actively planning to hire IT security experts in the coming months.

“It is clear that UK businesses are taking a proactive approach to building out their IT and technology teams.  However, the challenge lies in sourcing the right talent in what remains a very competitive market.  Cybersecurity is no longer just a technical concern, it is a business-critical priority and organizations are willing to pay a premium to secure the expertise they need as threats continue to grow.  With widespread reports of brands facing significant repercussions from cyber attacks, demand will remain strong even as businesses face pressure on resources,” says Craig Freedberg, Regional Director, Robert Half.

“At the same time, the rapid rise of machine learning and AI is driving new demand for specialist skills that are still in short supply.  For many employers, this creates a dual challenge: competing for scarce expertise while also needing to plan for the longer-term evolution of these technologies.  Adding to this complexity, businesses are navigating challenging macroeconomic conditions and rising employment costs in the UK which can make investment decisions even more difficult.  To stay ahead, employers will need to look beyond traditional hiring strategies and consider upskilling, reskilling and tapping into new talent pools.”

Robert Half’s research also found that beyond security, businesses are also ramping up recruitment for machine learning skills, with 42% planning to recruit for this specialism.  Given the relative infancy of machine learning in many organizations, it’s no surprise that 37% of respondents expect candidates with experience in this area to command higher remuneration packages as well.  

Other areas of planned headcount growth include IT Infrastructure (38%) and IT Service/Support (36%), reflecting a broader push to strengthen operational resilience and digital capabilities.