Nearly half of UK tech professionals seek new roles amid a talent shortage driven by high demand for AI and data expertise, with work-life balance and purpose now key to attracting candidates in a competitive market.
Nearly half of UK technology professionals are actively seeking new job opportunities, reflecting a significant restlessness within the sector, according to data from Michael Page’s 2026 Salary Guide. Despite this large pool of eager candidates, 30% of UK hiring managers report difficulties in finding the right talent. This paradox is attributed to both sides holding out for ideal conditions: candidates desire the perfect role, while employers, wary of tighter budgets and the high cost of mis-hires, await the perfect fit, resulting in what has been described as a ‘wait-and-see workforce’.
The persistent high demand in the technology sector is firmly centred around AI and data roles. Positions such as AI/Data Architects, AI/Machine Learning Engineers, Change Managers, Cyber Security Consultants, and DevOps Engineers are among the most sought-after. This trend highlights businesses’ recognition that successful AI and tech projects require not only technical acumen but also secure, scalable solutions and effective organisational change management. In particular, hybrid technology talent that blends deep technical expertise with strong communication and creative problem-solving skills is increasingly prized. James Barrett, managing director of technology and transformation at Michael Page, notes that experience navigating regulation, complex data, and stakeholder engagement often surpasses pure technical know-how in value.
Across the UK’s tech hubs, London, the Southern Home Counties, and the Midlands, demand for specialised AI and data talent continues to climb. Companies are therefore emphasising the importance of robust salary benchmarking and comprehensive benefits packages to attract and retain these candidates, who are highly selective about their next move.
However, the talent challenge is not merely a function of supply and demand but also evolving candidate expectations about what work should offer. Work-life balance now ranks as the top priority for 88% of UK technology professionals, with some 60% willing to forgo promotions if these would compromise their wellbeing. Despite this, over a third of tech professionals express little confidence that their leadership prioritises employee wellbeing alongside business objectives. Barrett stresses that salary alone is no longer the key to winning talent, purpose, wellbeing, and flexibility have become critical factors. Companies who can offer holistic value beyond pay will be better positioned to break the current stalemate.
Further insights from related industry reports reinforce this shift. Lorien’s ‘What Tech Candidates Want’ survey reveals an increasing emphasis on career growth and skill development, which now outstrip salary as top motivators for job changes. About 63% of permanent tech professionals intend to seek new roles within six months, with over a third prioritising career progression over pay. Flexible working preferences also dominate, with 55% favouring hybrid arrangements, illustrating the ongoing transformation in work expectations. Yet, the report notes a widening gap between candidate expectations for rapid hiring processes and the longer timelines many employers now require, leading to significant candidate drop-off during recruitment.
Salary dynamics vary across regions and specialties but reflect this heightened competition. London remains the highest-paying tech hub, with median salaries around £54,700, followed by Manchester and Edinburgh. Roles commanding premium salaries include .NET Developers, Data Engineers, and Cybersecurity specialists, some of whom earn between £80,000 and £110,000, particularly in leadership or niche areas like Identity and Access Management (IAM). IT Job Board’s analysis highlights strong salary growth for Full Stack Developers, Data Scientists, and Cybersecurity Analysts, emphasising that the rapid expansion of AI, security, and cloud adoption is outpacing current training pipelines. This may culminate in a UK shortfall of over 200,000 skilled IT professionals by 2026.
In summary, the UK technology labour market is confronting a complex interplay of talent supply, evolving candidate values, and intense competition for high-demand skills in AI, cybersecurity, and data roles. Employers who understand these trends and respond with appealing career growth opportunities, flexible arrangements, and competitive remuneration are best equipped to secure the hybrid talents needed to thrive in this transformative era.
📌 Reference Map:
- [1] (Digit.fyi) – Paragraphs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
- [2] (Michael Page) – Paragraphs 1, 2, 3
- [3] (Lorien) – Paragraphs 4, 5, 6
- [4] (Totaljobs) – Paragraph 6
- [5] (Lorien) – Paragraph 6
- [7] (IT Job Board) – Paragraph 6
Source: Noah Wire Services
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative references Michael Page’s 2026 Salary Guide, which is a future publication. The earliest known publication date of similar content is 13 November 2025, indicating the information is current. The report is based on a press release, which typically warrants a high freshness score. No discrepancies in figures, dates, or quotes were found.
Quotes check
Score:
9
Notes:
The direct quote from James Barrett, managing director of technology and transformation at Michael Page, appears to be original, with no identical matches found online. This suggests the content is potentially exclusive.
Source reliability
Score:
10
Notes:
The narrative originates from Digit.fyi, a reputable UK-based technology news outlet, and references Michael Page, a well-established recruitment firm. This association with reputable organisations strengthens the credibility of the report.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The claims about the demand for AI and data roles, as well as the emphasis on hybrid technology talent, align with current industry trends. The report also highlights the importance of work-life balance and employee wellbeing, which are consistent with evolving candidate expectations. The language and tone are appropriate for the UK tech sector, and the structure is focused and relevant.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative presents current and original information from reputable sources, with no significant discrepancies or signs of disinformation. The content aligns with known industry trends and candidate expectations, and the language and tone are appropriate for the UK tech sector.