Let’s cut to the chase here and say upfront that IT jobs are in demand across the UK in a massive way.
You probably already know this, so we’re going to provide some detail to backup that claim and make you feel a lot better about that big career or study decision currently hanging over you, or a family member’s head.
Also, for clarity here, when we talk about IT jobs we’re referencing computer science jobs and tech roles across the UK in general. Obviously specific roles will be more or less in demand depending on skills and skills shortages at any one time in a particular area.
Are IT Jobs in Demand in the UK?
Let’s answer the most important question first. Are IT jobs in demand in the UK? The answer is a resounding YES.
At the time of writing, in early 2022, demand is at an all-time high!
Think about it. Almost every facet of modern day life is influenced by digital media, smart devices, software and the infrastructure of the Internet. From remote working to e-commerce, security cameras to smart banking, the list is endless.
We recently compiled some of the most interesting statistics around regarding the current computer science jobs market, but some of the highlights include:
- In 2021 more than 4 in every 100 advertised jobs in the UK required computer science skills.
- 1 in 5 London jobs is now in the tech sector.
- The UK government is projecting a future commitment of approximately £22bn to the tech sector by 2026-27.
- The UK tech sector contributes approximately 7% of all economic activity to the UK economy, and this is expected to grow.
That’s just a tiny snapshot of the current demand, and more importantly the projected demand for IT and computer science jobs across the UK, in the decade ahead.
What IT Jobs are in Demand in the UK?
With general demand settled, your next question might be what types or which IT roles are currently in demand.
If you have any concept of IT and tech roles, then it will be of no surprise to hear that data scientists, cyber security engineers and blockchain engineers are all high up on the list of most sought after.
However, by far the most common computer science job advertisement is for a software engineer of some sort, alongside other engineering specifics.
Where are IT Jobs in Demand in the UK?
London is clearly the dominant location for IT jobs, much like many other industries.
We’ll dive into some London first soon, but first we want to highlight the top 5 locations for IT jobs in the UK, outside of London, based on the number of relevant job listings in 2019, which are as follows:
- Manchester [108,859]
- Bristol [76,267]
- Cambridge [58,678]
- Leeds [56,149]
- Birmingham [46,723]
Other major areas of demand include Oxford, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Cardiff and Belfast, meaning you should be able to pick and choose the best position for you, based on location as well as all the other usual factors like pay, role etc. (All above figures provided by Adzuna and Tech Nation)
We said we’d take another dive into the figures behind London’s tech scene.
Not only were there 658,275 IT related roles advertised in London during 2019, but now post-pandemic (fingers crossed), in 2021 and into the new year tech roles represent 1 in 5 of all jobs in London.
That may or may not sound like a lot, but to put it into context that means 20% of all jobs are now tech related in London, meaning absolutely everything else (every single other role and sector) has to fit into the 80%.
Why are IT Jobs in Demand?
As we’ve already hinted at, it’s pretty clear why IT jobs are in demand when you step back and take a quick look at our modern world.
The Internet, alongside millions of software solutions, dominate our modern day lifestyles.
If you’re already in a computer science role, or just have a good grasp of modern technology then it won’t come as a surprise to you.
Every app on your smart phone has a team of people behind it. Every social media company is expanding into new territories and adding new functionality. Cyber-security becomes more and more important with every passing year as banks introduce smart banking solutions, and new brands like Monzo and Starling are completely branchless.
Companies like StatSports are dominating into multiple sports sectors with ever-increasing data analytics solutions. E-commerce has absolutely exploded in the last few years, partly as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. Just ask Shopify.
Everywhere we look, computer science and IT roles are becoming more and more prevalent, no matter what industry you operate in.
Will IT Jobs continue to be in Demand?
Governments generally don’t throw money at dead industries. When was the last time you heard an MP talk about steam-powered railroads?
So the fact that the UK government is committing £22bn to the UK tech scene should keep you happy and content, if you’re considering or already working in the sector.
Beyond that, LinkedIn’s recent analysis of the jobs market in 2021 shows a third of the UK’s fastest growing industries are directly related to the tech sector, and arguments can be made for the importance of computer science skills in other listed sectors including finance, education and construction.
If that doesn’t convince you, just take a look back at the past decade. The number of IT and tech job roles, and those employed in the sector, have essentially doubled in less than 10 years.
Name another sector like that. We’ll wait…
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Sound good? Good!
Click here to see our latest computer science jobs in the UK, updated daily.
