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UK employers are planning to expand technology teams before year-end, with 47% intending to increase permanent headcount and 25% planning greater use of contract or project-based professionals, according to Robert Half research. Cybersecurity is the most sought-after capability, cited by 54% of employers, ahead of agentic AI, generative AI, and cloud expertise.
AI adoption is reducing time spent on routine work but is raising expectations that technology staff can use AI tools and validate AI-generated output. The hiring demand comes amid a continuing UK skills shortage: government figures cited in the research show the cybersecurity workforce growing only 2% annually, increasing cybersecurity-related job postings, and 57% of businesses reporting gaps in basic technical skills.
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Robert Half research found that 47% of UK employers plan to expand technology workforces and 25% plan to increase contract or project-based hiring. Cybersecurity was the most sought-after capability, cited by 54% of employers, ahead of agentic AI, generative AI, and cloud skills.
The UK government announced plans to provide free AI-skills courses to 10 million workers by 2030.
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Organizations across industries are rapidly increasing their demand for IT professionals with expertise in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data analytics, and related fields. The widespread adoption of generative AI is driving companies to restructure their IT teams, prioritize candidates with AI skills, and seek professionals capable of overseeing, implementing, and securing AI tools and strategies. According to recent data, job postings requiring AI skills have surged, with millions more positions now listing AI proficiency as a requirement. Other highly sought-after skills include Python programming, algorithm development, and CI/CD (Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment), reflecting the need for technical expertise to support automation, software development, and secure AI integration. This shift in IT skill priorities is also influencing hiring practices, with even entry-level roles now expecting basic prompt engineering abilities. Companies are allocating more resources to attract and retain talent in cybersecurity, data analytics, and AI team management. The trend is consistent globally, as organizations recognize the necessity of advanced technical skills to remain competitive and secure in an increasingly digital and AI-driven landscape. The demand for these skills is expected to continue growing as AI becomes further embedded in business operations and technology infrastructure.
Jun 29, 2026
The cybersecurity sector is undergoing significant transformation as organizations increasingly adopt artificial intelligence (AI) and generative AI tools to enhance security operations. Security teams are leveraging AI for tasks such as forensics, incident response, log analysis, and vulnerability management, which is fundamentally changing how cybersecurity work is performed. This shift is driving CISOs to rethink team structures and workflows, with a focus on upskilling and automating routine tasks to improve efficiency and allow professionals to concentrate on more complex challenges. Despite the benefits of AI integration, the industry faces persistent workforce challenges. Skills shortages have overtaken headcount as the primary concern, with many organizations struggling to find and afford professionals with the expertise needed to secure increasingly complex environments. Budget constraints remain a significant barrier, and while economic conditions are stabilizing, the gap between available skills and organizational needs continues to grow. The demand for specialized roles, such as security architects for cloud environments, is rising as companies accelerate cloud adoption and seek to bolster their security posture in the face of evolving threats.
Jul 1, 2026
Organizations and governments worldwide are grappling with the dual-edged impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on cybersecurity, as highlighted by recent reports and strategic initiatives. The UK's National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) Annual Review emphasized the urgent need for cyber resilience, citing a surge in major incidents and urging CEOs to prioritize cybersecurity at the board level. The review also underscored the growing influence of AI, both as a tool for defenders and as a vector for new threats, with recent attacks on major UK companies illustrating the high stakes for critical infrastructure. Similarly, industry voices stress that IT and InfoSec leaders must proactively manage AI adoption to balance innovation with risk, as generative AI becomes a board-level priority and reshapes enterprise data governance. In parallel, Kenya has launched its "Code Nation" initiative to train over a million technology specialists, including cybersecurity experts, as part of a broader strategy to harness generative AI and secure its digital future. The evolving landscape is further complicated by the proliferation of non-human identities (NHIs) and AI agents, which expand the attack surface and challenge traditional security controls. Across these developments, the consensus is clear: AI is transforming both the threat landscape and the defensive playbook, making cyber resilience and strategic risk management essential for organizations and nations alike.
Jun 29, 2026