Job tips and trends in tech

As the job market evolves in 2025, finance, tech, and HR professionals encounter new opportunities and challenges. This three-part series serves as your roadmap to success, offering insights and tailored advice to help you navigate the shifting landscape.

This month, our focus shifts from finance jobs to tech.This is despite a slight decline in job vacancies.  The tech industry continues to show resilience. There is a strong demand for roles in AI, cybersecurity, and cloud computing. The fast pace of technology means new roles evolve quicker than before.

Stay ahead of the curve by uncovering the trends shaping the tech job market and learn how you can position yourself for success. 

Opportunities

Characterised by robust investment, innovation, and growth, the UK tech sector continues to offer exciting and dynamic career opportunities​. Tech professionals with expertise in emerging areas such as blockchain, quantum computing, and IoT will find increased opportunities as these areas continue to grow.

In recent years, the UK has introduced new regulatory frameworks for technology companies and those using digital services. This includes:

• a new digital competition regime
• online safety regulations
• updated cyber security and data protection laws

Companies will need professionals who understand these new laws and can implement compliance measures.

Cybersecurity experts, data protection officers, and legal tech specialists will be in high demand. For tech workers, these regulatory changes create opportunities in cybersecurity, compliance, AI governance, and digital trust. Upskilling in data privacy, risk management, and security frameworks will help professionals stay competitive.

​With almost every industry now using sophisticated tech, hiring managers and talent acquisition teams are competing for tech savvy talent.  Sectors are as varied as manufacturing, retail, tourism, finance, healthcare and entertainment. The Government’s commitment to digitalisation and AI adoption will also bring new opportunities for tech workers in the public sector. 

AI skills premium

AI and machine learning (ML) expertise continue to command a premium, with demand outpacing supply. For employers, this means competing on salary and benefits. Data scientists, computer scientists, and information security analysts top the list for projected growth over the next decade.

The tech skills gap

IT and tech organisations are still struggling to hire the talent they need. Despite high demand, skill shortages persist in critical areas including AI and cybersecurity. Roles employers find it challenging to recruit for also includes cloud and Dev-Ops  engineers, full-stack and blockchain developers as well as UX/UI product designers.

Employers are addressing this through salary increases, bonuses, and investments in professional development. 

Skills in demand

Employers are seeking tech professionals with specialised skills to meet evolving industry demands. Key tech skills include

• Python for AI and data science
• Java for enterprise applications
• expertise in cloud computing platforms like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud.

Companies now seek professionals with problem-solving abilities alongside technical expertise.

Top skills tech professionals need to upskill in 2025

Employers value soft skills such as emotional intelligence (EI), leadership, and adaptability alongside technical expertise. Based on the latest trends and industry insights, here are the top skills tech professionals need to focus on:

• Emerging technologies
• AI and machine learning (ML)
• Green tech
• Quantum computing
• Zero-trust security frameworks
• Business acumen
• Understanding ROI and financial impact
• Communicating technical concepts
• Bridging the gap between tech and strategy
• Mastering collaboration tools
• Continuous learning

Regional growth in tech hubs

London remains Europe's leading tech hub, while Manchester, Cambridge, and Edinburgh offer growing opportunities. Edinburgh is noted for its growing tech scene, particularly in fintech and AI sectors. The EY Regional Economic Forecast predicts that Reading will be the fastest-growing location outside of London over the next three years, with average annual GVA growth of 2.2%.

Tech hiring challenges

Rising costs for employers and a subdued economic outlook have led to cautious hiring. Despite increased opportunities, the market remains candidate-short for niche tech roles. So, tech professionals who are ready to upskill will have more opportunities.

Outlook

Research by TechMarketView revealed 60% of UK technology companies anticipate improved conditions by 2025. Over half (56%) experienced what they describe as poor or neutral business environments last year. Predictions from EY in March 2025, state that technology and professional services are forecast to be among the fastest-growing UK sectors. Three in five new tech jobs are expected to be created in London and the South East.

By aligning skills development with market demands, tech professionals can navigate the Q2 challenges while positioning themselves for long-term success. Developing expertise in areas such as AI, data analytics, and cybersecurity can lead to better opportunities. This includes higher salaries or contract rates. Additionally, considering opportunities in emerging tech hubs like Manchester and Edinburgh can open doors to new roles, especially when many tech firms support remote or hybrid working.  As the tech landscape evolves in Q2, staying adaptable and proactive in skills development will be key to thriving in tech’s next chapter.