Tech job vacancies in the UK have grown 21% in the past year, driven in part by a surge in demand for AI professionals, new research has found.
Specific demand for AI skills from UK firms has skyrocketed by almost 200% year-on-year, according to Accenture’s latest UK Tech Talent Tracker.
The report, which tracks tech sector vacancies and skills in the UK, found that despite efforts to develop regional tech industries, almost two-thirds (65%) of the tech vacancies tracked were based in London.
“The UK has a golden opportunity to establish itself as a global AI leader, and London is at the epicentre. The UK is seeing hotspots of tech talent emerge which we expect to grow as AI is more widely adopted,” said Emma Kendrew, Accenture’s technology lead in the UK.”
“However, to fully capitalise on the economic potential of AI, regions outside of London will also need to compete for talent and infrastructure to achieve sustainable growth and unlock opportunities.”
According to Accenture, the British capital accounts for 80% of demand for AI skills across all UK cities.
There has, however, been growth in demand for AI skills across the board. Notably in Glasgow, where demand has grown 150% as well as Liverpool (125%) and Leeds (83%).
In Oxford and Cambridge, already prominent hubs for artificial intelligence, demand has grown more steadily, up 54% and 62% respectively.
“We’re seeing growing demand for tech skills in cities up and down the country, with communities hungry to realise the potential that generation-defining technologies like AI and Quantum can deliver,” said AI Minister Feryal Clark.
“This government is committed to give everyone a stake in our tech-driven future – from London and Yorkshire to Merseyside and beyond through our AI Opportunities Action Plan.”
The vacancies while good news for tech job seekers also suggest fears over a lack of available AI talent to meet rising demands may be valid.
Research published last month found that AI has become the UK’s largest and fastest developing skills gap in the last 15 years, up from fifth just 18 months prior.
Read more: Payhawk CEO: Cutting jobs because of AI shows a lack of innovation
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