As many as 81% of UK recruitment agencies believe that demand for cyber security workers will increase considerably over the next 12 months.
However, findings from the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) have also shown that 81% of recruitment agencies predict that the UK workforce is unlikely to meet demand in cyber security over the next year. Only 16% think it is likely that this demand will be met.
Cyber security roles have also been reported as hard to fill due to candidate shortages for eight out of the past nine months according to the REC’s monthly Report on Jobs survey of recruiters.
REC chief executive Kevin Green, commented, “With several high profile cyber-attacks this year, it’s no surprise that demand for cyber security staff is set to increase. However, there are very few people with the skills needed, so employers will be competing with each other for the limited talent. The good news for people working in cyber security is they could well see a pay increase next year as a result.
“Employers need to think realistically about how to fill roles if they are to protect themselves from debilitating cyber-attacks. This means they should make the most of transferrable skills and create training opportunities which would benefit employees and new applicants.”
He added, “The responsibility also lies with government. We think the Apprenticeship Levy should become a broader training levy so that employers can use this funding to develop the skills that they are desperate for. Long term, we need to see better careers guidance in schools about cyber security roles. And right now, we need to maintain access to the best people from around the world to create a secure environment where British businesses can flourish.”
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