51% of UK firms mull GenAI for tech talent gap
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM — New research shows that over half (51%) of tech leaders in the United Kingdom are open to using generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI) to help fill critical skills gaps within their organizations.
The survey by talent platform Gigged.AI and Sapio Research interviewed more than 250 senior executives and found 91% are facing tech talent shortages, with 57% citing an inability to find qualified candidates. In response, a modest 16% are resorting to ‘quiet hiring’ as a strategy.
“The findings of our survey show how prominent Generative AI has become for tech leaders in a relatively short space of time,” said Gigged.AI CEO and Co-founder Rich Wilson.
“And in the face of the growing tech skills shortage, businesses not only need, they are already planning innovative strategies to tackle the industry-wide challenge.”
However, 44% cited ethical concerns about potentially replacing employees with AI, while 24% plan to upskill current workforce through Gen AI.
Phil Boyle, CTO of homebuilder Cala, commented that while promising, generative AI must prioritize trust and safety.
Meanwhile, the global economy is poised to benefit from the Gen AI industry, with a $4.4 trillion annual contribution expected to generate in the coming years, according to McKinsey & Company.
The research also reveals 58% of respondents implemented hiring freezes in 2023 even as 72% push forward with digital transformation, which 45% say is being delayed by lack of tech skills.
Software development and cybersecurity (37%) are most impacted, plus digital marketing (36%) and data engineering (27%).
