A narrowing pipeline? - A report on changes in UK tech hiring and future opportunities

Oct 15, 2026

A data-driven report examines the number and nature of online job adverts for UK tech roles from 2016 onward, identifying a sharp overall decline since early 2022 and a faster downturn in “core tech” occupations. It finds 31% fewer live adverts in 2024/25 versus 2019/20, with “core tech” volumes down 50%, especially software development. Programming adverts fall from about 42,000 to 14,000 (68%), alongside a 10% reduction in software developer employment. “Tech adjacent” roles decline less.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages27

Reading Time1 h 8 min

AccessFree to download

Contents

Foreword

Executive Summary

Introduction

Methodology and Data

Section 1: Job Advert Volumes

Section 2: Skills Requirements in Job Adverts

Section 3: Qualification Requirements in Job Adverts

Next Steps

References

Annex

A narrowing pipeline? What changes in UK tech hiring might tellus about future opportunities in the sector Contents Foreword 3 Executive Summary 4 Introduction 6 Methodology and Data 7 Section 1: Job Advert Volumes 8 Section 2: Skills Requirements in Job Adverts 17 Section 3: Qualification Requirements in Job Adverts 20 Next Steps 23 References 24 Annex 25 This research was funded by The Hg Foundation. Luke Bocock, Michael Scott and Sarah Tang Published in March 2025 By the National Foundation for Educational Research, The Mere, Upton Park, Slough, Berkshire SL1 2DQ [www.nfer.ac.uk](www.nfer.ac.uk) © 2025 National Foundation for Educational Research Registered Charity No. 313392 ISBN: 978-1-916567-27-6 How to cite this publication: Bocock, L., Scott, M. and Tang, S. (2025) A narrowing pipeline? Slough; NFER. 2 | What changes in UK tech hiring might tell us about future opportunities in the sector Foreword As a Foundation with a mission to widen access to careers in tech, it’s crucial we understand the talent pipeline into the sector, where the leakages are and how that might be changing, so that our work stands the maximum chance of making a difference to the groups we care about. Critically, we want to ensure that the partnerships we support are preparing learners as best they possibly can for the future workplace. We have commissioned this research programme from NFER to help us look at these issues and to inform our future priorities as a grant maker – and, where relevant, we want to share the findings with the sector, so we can move forward together with the best evidence and insight. The findings of this first output from NFER has given us pause for thought. Whilst careers in tech no doubt continue to offer many routes to social mobility, the picture is far more nuanced than it has been in the past: tech is no longer synonymous with jobs growth; some skills that were highly valued five years ago are becoming less so; and employers seem to be looking for anew cadre of specialist skills as well as seeking candidates with a more flexible skillset to cope with uncertainty. Some of the findings are stark: for example, that there are half as many jobs in core tech roles as there was in 2016/17; that the decline has been particularly steep since the pandemic; and that it has especially impacted entry level roles. The pace of change is also remarkable: it seems highly unlikely that the jobs young people are going into now will be the same as those they will be competing for in one year’s time, let alone five. 3 | What changes in UK tech hiring might tell us about future opportunities in the sector However, we firmly believe that the Foundation’s mission remains relevant and important. In an increasingly complex space, it is even more crucial that we direct those who already face barriers to accessing tech careers to the parts of the sector that are most promising in terms of future opportunity. We must help them to build the skills and attributes that they will need to thrive, where adaptability and flexibility will likely be even more important. And even if some areas of tech are static (or shrinking) it is still important to harness the best people for those jobs, regardless of their background. We need your help to make sure we meet these challenges head on. We are publishing these initial findings now because we want as many views as we can on whether what we have found resonates and, critically, what the future outlook might be. Combined with the next stage of the analysis – which includes focus groups and a survey that NFER will be undertaking over the next few months – it will help us ensure our work continues to provide transformational opportunities to those from underrepresented backgrounds. James Turner CEO of The Hg Foundation 31 % less live adverts 50 % less advert volumes in ‘core tech’ roles 68 % decline in programming roles in 2024/25 compared

FAQs

What period of data does the report cover for UK tech hiring?

The report analyzes online job advert data for UK tech roles since 2016, tracking changes through the post-pandemic period to 2024/25.

How much have “core tech” job advert volumes fallen compared with pre-pandemic levels?

In 2024/25, “core tech” advert volumes are 50% lower than the 2019/20 pre-pandemic level.

Which tech job areas show the steepest decline and why does it matter?

Software development and programming roles decline most sharply, with programming live adverts dropping from about 42,000 in 2019/20 to about 14,000 in 2024/25 (a 68% fall). The report links this to reduced opportunities and suggests broader shifts in future talent demand.

Oct 15, 2026

Uploaded by Taylor Morgan