Almost half of UK employers surveyed by Robert Half plan to expand their permanent technology headcount before the end of the year, with cyber security and AI skills among the strongest priorities.
Some 47% plan permanent technology hiring growth, while 25% expect to increase their use of contract or project professionals. The findings suggest organisations are combining long-term recruitment with access to specialist expertise for particular programmes.
“AI is automating some tasks, but it isn’t replacing the need for skilled technology talent. In many cases, it’s making those skills even more valuable.”
Matt Weston, senior managing director UK and Ireland, Robert Half
Cyber security was identified as an in-demand skill by 54%, followed by agentic AI at 50%, generative AI at 48%, and cloud and business intelligence at 44% each.
The research also points to changes in existing technology roles. Some 45% of technology professionals reported developing new AI skills, while 38% were validating AI-generated outputs. More than half, 53%, said they were doing fewer routine tasks, and 37% reported a greater focus on strategic work.
Robert Half said automation was changing tasks without removing the need for experienced technology professionals. Employers increasingly need candidates who combine technical capability with judgement and an understanding of business priorities.
The findings come from independent research conducted in June 2026 among 500 hiring managers and 1,000 professionals in the UK across multiple disciplines. The figures reported here relate to the technology findings.
