Research by Instant Offices has revealed a list of the ten most sought-after skills by UK employers. Seven out of the top ten most in-demand skills are technology-based, which is not surprising considering the accelerated pace of business digitalisation.
Data science tops the list with a 295% increase in demand in 2022 alone with one in ten companies looking to hire a data science professional. For the 60% of people who are planning to leave their job this year, they may want to consider upskilling in cybersecurity as there are currently only five skilled candidates per job vacancy.
The research notes that the remaining sought-after skills are not tech-focused with project management, communication and critical thinking also appearing in the top 10. With many employees experiencing hybrid ways of working, the need for advanced communication and project management skills has exploded. 16% of British businesses say they need people with communication skills and almost one in five say they are looking for critical thinkers.
The salaries on offer for tech jobs remain some of the best paid as the skills gap has yet to catch up to the demand for talent. On average, a junior python developer can expect to start on GBP £33,000 per year which is almost £2,000 more than the UK average salary. Meanwhile, a Java Developer — considered to be the best job in the UK with a job satisfaction rating of 4.1 out of 5, has an average salary of £55,000, rising to £87,000 per annum.
For those wanting to ‘secure the bag’, they may want to upskill in skills relating to Artificial Intelligence or Development Architecture as top salaries for these roles regularly exceed £100,000 per year.
Read below for the complete Top 10 most in-demand skills:
- Data Management / Data Science
- Cybersecurity
- Machine Learning
- Python Development
- Artificial Intelligence
- Project Management
- Development Architecture
- Communication
- Critical Thinking
- Java Development
Paul Arkwright
Publisher
