The Most In-Demand Skills in Today’s UK Job Market: 2024 Overview
September 10, 2024Posted by:
As we move through 2024, the UK job market continues to evolve at a rapid pace, shaped by economic shifts, technological advancements, and evolving workforce needs.
Here, we explore some of the most in-demand skills employers seek, as well as the broader employment trends and challenges.
Top Skills Employers Are Looking For in 2024
According to Dan Brodnitz on LinkedIn, some of the most important skills valued across industries this year include:
- Communication: Clear communication is key to building strong relationships inside and outside any company.
- Customer Service: Providing a great customer experience is more important than ever across industries.
- Leadership: Strong leaders are needed to guide organisations through today's challenges.
- Project Management: Efficient project management and resource balancing are crucial skills.
- Management: Companies need skilled managers to lead teams and deliver results.
- Analytics: Data-driven decisions are essential, with analytics driving everything from customer insights to financial performance.
- Teamwork: Collaboration is critical, especially in hybrid or remote work setups.
- Sales: Strong sales skills are essential for driving revenue in a competitive market.
- Problem-Solving: Critical thinking and problem-solving are among the most in-demand skills.
- Research: Companies need people who can do thorough research to stay competitive.
- Adaptability: Being flexible and able to perform in changing or disruptive situations is crucial. It’s about adjusting to new circumstances and continuing to contribute effectively, even when it's not easy.
Sector-Specific Skill Trends
According to Robert Half, recruitment experts anticipate that 47% of UK employers intend to add permanent staff this year. Yet, rising costs have prompted salary concerns, with 22% of employers stating they cannot match wage expectations in line with inflation. Despite this, employers are looking for specific skill sets, particularly in key sectors:
Technology: The demand for IT skills is higher than ever, but technological advancements mean these skills are constantly evolving. A report from the Institute for the Future of Work highlights the pace of change in tech-related fields, with a persistent gap in the availability of skilled IT professionals. In fact, 93% of British businesses report a shortage of IT talent due to rapid technological advancements.
Public Services: Despite the public sector facing staffing cuts, many employers report "hard-to-fill" vacancies, with 41% struggling to recruit. The ongoing shortage of highly qualified workers in skilled roles remains a challenge.
Green Skills: Sectors like finance, IT, and transportation are increasingly focusing on sustainability, with employers looking for candidates who possess "green" skills to meet environmental goals.
The Impact of Labour Market Trends
Data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows that the UK employment rate for those aged 16-64 was 74.4% as of May 2024. While job vacancies dropped by 30,000 compared to the previous quarter, they are still higher than pre-pandemic levels. This means despite there being fewer vacancies, competition for skilled talent remains high.
A report from the Institute for the Future of Work also highlights that, although some industries still have many job opportunities, employers are struggling to fill positions, especially in healthcare, IT, and education, where high demand and a shortage of qualified workers create challenges.
Skills and Jobs with High Demand in 2024
Research from Caroline Bradshaw highlights the UK's top cities for work, including Glasgow, Sheffield, Bristol, and Manchester, where industries ranging from retail to finance are thriving. However, across the UK, several specific job roles and skills are in particularly high demand:
Technology Skills: Programmers, software developers, and cyber security specialists are at the forefront of the IT skills demand.
Healthcare Skills: Health service providers and residential care workers remain in critical demand, reflecting the continued strain on the UK's healthcare system.
Sales and Marketing Skills: Digital marketing professionals, operations managers, and sales assistants are highly sought after as businesses focus on driving growth.
Finance and Accounting: Auditors, tax controllers, and financial professionals play a crucial role in managing business profitability in today's complex economy.
Leadership: As organisations strive for stability and growth, strong leadership and management skills are essential to guide teams and ensure success.
Navigating the Skills Gap
As new skills become essential for job seekers, businesses must adapt their hiring strategies. While many companies are turning to short-term contracts and temporary hiring, there is a persistent gap between the demand for high-skilled labour and the available workforce. Employers may need to invest in upskilling current employees or offering attractive packages to attract top talent in a competitive market.
In summary, despite challenges in the UK job market, there are plenty of opportunities for those with the right skills. Strong communication, leadership, technical know-how, and adaptability are crucial for workers aiming to succeed in today’s fast-changing job landscape.
September 10, 2024Posted by:
