Research has found that while UK tech professionals believe their industry is currently in a good position – due to factors such as the workforce’s skill set, technological innovation and the UK’s status as an IT leader – the impact of Brexit is causing a lot of concern, 38% of survey respondents identified it as their biggest worry for the industry; ahead of the state of the economy (27%) and losing talent abroad (26%).
The research, which part of the brand-new Confidence Index from the UK-based tech recruitment firm, CWJobs, also found that while respondents are broadly confident in the industry, as reflected in their salary expectations, with 74% expecting an increase in the next five years, confidence in the development of the industry is not as high with 18% revealing they’re not optimistic about the years ahead, compared to 11% who have reservations about the state of the tech industry in the UK now.
“The UK’s tech workforce is clearly in a good place, with confidence high in the skills it has at its disposal and the technology it’s producing,” said Dominic Harvey, Director at CWJobs. “However, that confidence is at risk from external factors, be that political or economic. While some things are out of the industry’s control, losing talent isn’t. This should act as a wake-up call for businesses to make themselves an attractive proposition that retains talent and keeps them competitive in the future.”
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Lack of confidence in the public sector
CWJobs’ research also found a lack of confidence in the public sector, particularly in regards to future job prospects. The public sector appears to be in huge danger of losing huge amounts of talent, with 83% revealing they would consider leaving to join the private sector in the next five years.
Financial incentives are the biggest allure to switch sides, with 36% saying they would join a private company for more money, ahead of stability (16%) and more available roles (13%).
Harvey added: “Tech professionals are clearly ready to embrace cyber security and AI, dispelling the big job fears usually associated with the latter technology. For businesses, in order to remain competitive in the future, they need to be investing in the technology and training that will aid these skills moving forward. For the public sector, this is a warning to up its game and make roles more appealing or risk losing a stream of talent to the private sector.”
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