Job trends
The UK’s top-three emerging jobs:
Artificial Intelligence Specialist
Data Protection Officer
Robotics Engineer
Key takeaways
AI comes out on top
As technology advances, interactions become more automated, and our expectations grow, it’s not surprising Artificial Intelligence Specialist is the number one emerging job in the UK. In fact, there is 18x more talent employed in this role than in 2015.
With GDPR, data protection roles grow
In the first year of implementation of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) there were 41,000 complaints to the Information Commissioner’s Office (source). As data privacy concerns grow, so too does demand for talent to fill roles such as Data Protection Officer and Cyber Security Specialist.
Skills that help improve user experience are in high demand
Whether it’s qualitative research, usability testing, or content design; in an increasingly tech-focused world, skills that enhance the end-user experience continue to complement more tech-orientated roles.
Industry trends
The UK’s top-three industries employing emerging jobs:
Information Technology & Services
Computer Software
Financial Services
Key takeaways
Technology firms dominate, but things are changing
Though the IT services and computer software industries are currently employing a large majority of emerging jobs talent (33% of professionals are employed in these industries), the pharmaceutical industry has the highest year-on-year growth when it comes to hiring for these jobs (+49%).
Non-traditional industries are also hiring
Some surprising industries are also attracting emerging jobs talent. Sectors such as human resources and marketing make the top-10, as do healthcare and research.
The great gender divide
Currently 65% of all these emerging roles, across all the industries employing these roles, are held by men. The telecommunications industry has the most imbalance with a male to female ratio of 81:19, but 71% of talent professionals report that achieving gender parity at their company is a top priority (source).
Location trends
The UK’s top-three cities for emerging jobs:
London
Manchester
Edinburgh
Key takeaways
London calling for emerging jobs
Not all of these jobs are in central London, with the borough of Hillingdon—home to Heathrow Airport and a number of aviation companies—seeing the highest year-on-year growth at 41%.
Companies looking to smaller cities
Though the focus on most emerging jobs is still London, cities like Belfast (39%), Cardiff (35%), and Nottingham (35%) had the largest year-on-year growth in emerging jobs.
Looking outside the UK
Despite the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Brexit, we are seeing professionals from India, the US, and Spain employed in these emerging roles within the UK. However, we’re also seeing UK professionals with these roles relocating to the likes of Spain, Germany, and the Netherlands.
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