UK Tech talent warning amidst budget constraints and rising workloads

Other key findings from the Harvey Nash Global Tech Talent & Salary Report include:

Building a Career in Technology - Routes into UK tech are changing

Although a university degree (46%) is still a very popular path into a tech career in the UK, almost 5 in 10 technologists (48%) transitioned into tech from an alternative career and this was particularly true for female technologists where almost two thirds (62%) made this move, compared to 45% of men. Significantly more women in the UK also kickstarted their career with industry certification (26%) than men (18%) - an important consideration for any UK business looking to attract more women to their tech teams.

Tech leaders - visionaries vs technical gurus

The Harvey Nash report also found that today’s technologists want more from their leaders than technical know-how. In the UK, the ‘ability to create a positive culture within IT/tech’ (59%) and ‘influence at board level, and with the wider business’ (55%) were identified as the most important factors, closely followed by ‘strong communication skills’ (54%). All of these factors ranked more highly than having ‘a deep understanding of technology’ (39%).

DEI – bias in AI development

Although the majority of technologists surveyed in the UK appear to be satisfied overall that their organisation is serious about the DE&I agenda, the report found that they would like to see more attention given to disability and neurodiversity, alongside the existing focus on gender and race.

With the UK’s tech sector still displaying significant diversity deficits, especially in gender, the Harvey Nash report warns that any cuts to DE&I budgets, as already witnessed amongst some of the tech giants last year, come at a time when companies are forging ahead on the biggest technology shift in a decade: artificial intelligence. If diverse people are not included in AI development, that may result in even greater power imbalances for both employees, end users and society at large.

About the report

The Harvey Nash Global Tech Talent & Salary Report is based on a survey of over 2,700 technology professionals globally (including 848 in the UK). The survey took place between June and July 2024. This report is part of a suite of reports and surveys that Nash Squared owned companies publish annually, including its highly respected Digital Leadership Report, which was launched in 1998 and is the world’s largest and longest running survey of senior technology leaders. 

About Harvey Nash

We are masters of technology recruitment, helping organisations find the very best talent –from software developers to business transformation leaders. With over 35 years’ experience and global reach, we have an unparalleled knowledge and capability in all areas of technology.

We’re part of Nash Squared - the leading global provider of technology and talent solutions, equipped with a unique network that realises the potential of where technology and talent meet.

For further information visit www.harveynash.co.uk