Businesses in the UK are witnessing a significant shift in the labor market as they increase their spending on artificial intelligence (AI) and seek new skills to keep up with the changing landscape. According to a recent report by LinkedIn, there has been a notable 9% rise in the hiring of AI technical talent over the past year, indicating a growing reliance on this emerging technology across various industries.
The demand for AI-related skills is on the rise, with studies showing that job requirements in the UK could change by up to 65% by 2023 compared to 2016. The top AI skills currently in demand in the UK include AI, machine learning, generative AI, deep learning, and natural language processing. These skills are sought after in sectors such as administrative and supportive services, professional services, technology, information and media, manufacturing, and financial services.
Janine Chamberlin, UK Country Manager at LinkedIn, stressed the importance of upskilling employees to ensure companies can leverage AI effectively and gain a competitive edge in the market. She recommended investing in tools like Microsoft Copilot and ChatGPT as a starting point for deploying more advanced AI applications.
In line with these findings, a study conducted by Rackspace Technology in partnership with AWS revealed that three in four IT decision-makers plan to invest between $0.5 and $5 million in AI this year. The study also highlighted that between 36% and 48% of respondents attributed AI investments to sales growth.
The report’s insights align with LinkedIn’s research, with 85% of respondents indicating efforts to recruit individuals with AI and machine learning skills in the past year. As the demand for AI skills continues to grow, seven in 10 UK hiring managers predict a widening skills gap over the next five years.
Chamberlain emphasized the importance of actively upskilling employees to ensure a workforce that is agile and equipped with the necessary skills for the future of work. By investing in AI education and training, businesses can drive productivity gains and stay ahead of the competition in an increasingly AI-driven market.
