The number of job advertisements for tech roles has plummeted over the last five years in the UK, with a 50% drop in tech job adverts since 2019.
A report by the National Foundation for Educational Research, funded by the Hg Foundation, found that the decline rate was much faster than in the wider economy where adverts have declined by 31% over the same time period. This report relates these trends to the relocation of more tech jobs overseas and the expected impact of AI.
This slowdown is particularly acute in software development roles. Advertisements for programmer positions have dropped by nearly 70% between 2019-2025. The decline has been particularly rapid in the last two years. The research also shows that fewer software developers were employed in 2024 than they were in 2023. This is the first fall in the number of software developers since 2006.
The talent pipeline for tech jobs will be affected, especially for young people. Entry-level positions have been particularly impacted.
The report warns, over time, that a decrease in recruitment of juniors could lead to a shortage of experienced workers who can progress into senior tech roles.
In response to this trend, the number of qualifications required for tech jobs has increased since 2022.
This analysis is based upon data from Adzuna which includes 95% of UK Job Ads.
Luke Bocock said that the figures showed a “worrying change” due to the intense competition of international markets, and the growing influence of AI.
He said that if these trends are not addressed, they could limit the career options for young people.
Bocock said that roles in science, engineering, and research (apart for software) had been relatively stable since 2022.
If current trends continue, some areas will see a growing demand from young people who want to join the tech workforce. However, overall, there will be less opportunities.
James Turner, CEO of the Hg Foundation said that it is more important than ever for young people to know which areas of the tech industry will be growing and what skills they would need to get those jobs.
Turner stated that it was important to ensure those with underrepresented backgrounds were not left behind. This makes the work done by those who are working on increasing access to the tech sector all the more vital.
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