The tech skills shortage | Innovative approaches to upskilling and retention in a competitive market

Skills shortages can have a detrimental effect on businesses, regardless of their size. They hinder agility and development, even affecting day-to-day productivity. A 2023 report from digital talent platform Gigged.AI found that 34% of UK businesses are experiencing a significant tech skills shortage. When focusing on the IT sector, this number rises to 49%. So, what can HR professionals do to close this skills gap and improve staff retention?

Understanding the skills gap

A skills gap refers to the disparity between the skills that an industry or role requires and the skills of those working in it. In the tech industry, this has happened for two key reasons.