EDITOR ’ S QUESTION

To meet this objective , 30 % are actively hiring to boost their stretched IT teams . However , just under half say that candidates with the required information and cybersecurity skills are the hardest to find , while 29 % cite problem solving as the most elusive soft skill , highlighting a growing skills gap for the industry .

This is according to specialist recruitment firm Robert Half ’ s 2023 Salary Guide , which analyses and reports on market salaries , hiring trends and skills requirements across the technology sector .

The news comes as the Government warns of the growing risk to UK businesses from cyber-attacks . According to the Department for Digital , Culture , Media & Sport ’ s Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2022 , almost one-in-three businesses ( 31 %) and a quarter ( 26 %) of charities suffering attacks said they now experience breaches or attacks at least once a week . out for candidates which can demonstrate teamworking ( 28 %) and communication skills ( 27 %), highlighting the need for employees willing to work effectively as part of growing IT teams .

The report also found that , due to the climate of information ‘ insecurity ’ allied to the relentless growth of digitalisation and ‘ big data ’, tech leaders are clear that roles are likely to be safe from recession fears . Political instability is forcing businesses to consider shifting away from offshored IT support , opting to bring it in-house or work with managed services like Protiviti to maintain service levels . In addition , 30 % plan to add new positions for permanent full-time employees and 22 % will bring more temporary talent on board in the next 12 months to aid with growth plans .

Robert Half Director of Tech Placements , Craig Freedberg , said : “ Growth , security and customer experience are at the forefront of leaders ’ minds , creating unprecedented demand for developers , cloud specialists and IT security experts . Due to the growth of cloud and ‘ big data ’, security is a growing concern for many UK businesses , and this will only increase as the vast number of digitalisation projects near completion .

In addition to developing cybersecurity projects , the top strategic priorities for CIOs and CTOs in 2023 are increasing efficiency and productivity ( 31 %), expanding cloud computing initiatives ( 26 %), digital transformation schemes ( 24 %), and developing blockchain and Internet of Things ( IoT ) projects . This suggests UK businesses are continuing to build on the progress made following the pandemic by enhancing their online presence over the next 12 months . After the demand for talent with strong problem solving skills , employers are on the look-

“ It is estimated that cybercrime will cost the UK around £ 27 billion every year , with around £ 21 billion of this coming from attacks against businesses , highlighting the urgent need for employers to source tech talent with the necessary expertise . However , our research shows that the demand for candidates with the sought-after skills far outstrips the supply and as such , we recommend employers upskill their current workforce to ensure vital IT infrastructure is cybersecure and fit for purpose .”

34 INTELLIGENTCIO EUROPE www . intelligentcio . com