The number of technology roles in England and Wales reached record highs in 2021, according to new research.

The study, by recruitment consultancy Robert Walters and data analytics company Vacancysoft, found that there were more than 12,800 new vacancies for tech professionals last year. This represents a 105 per cent increase in comparison to 2020 and a 57.3 per cent hike compared to the previous annual high seen in 2018.

“More money than ever is flowing into UK tech,” said Tom Chambers, associate director, Robert Walters. “The sector raised £29.4 billion in 2021, up from £11.5 billion in 2020.

“The combined value of UK tech companies founded since 2000 is now £540 billion, after the biggest year-on-year increase since 2013/14.”

The report revealed that technology companies accounted for 53.8 per cent of all new IT vacancies in England and Wales, up 3.5 per cent year-on-year and almost 10 per cent higher than in 2018.

London remains the location with the highest number of vacancies, accounting for 47.5 per cent of all new tech jobs, experiencing a 121 per cent increase in 2021.

The South was identified as the second largest regional area for tech vacancies, experiencing a 95 per cent year-on-year increase and accounting for 2 per cent of all IT roles. Meanwhile, Wales saw higher increase compared to London, with hiring levels up 121.8 per cent year-on-year.

“The data reflects how demand for innovative tech and digital infrastructure from UK consumers and business soared in 2021 as restrictions still kept people largely at home and working remotely,” said James Chaplin, chief executive, Vacancysoft. “It’s no coincidence that in the first week of 2022 Apple announced it became the world’s first $3 trillion company.

“Tech companies in the UK will expect sales, investment and headcount to grow this year. But it looks unlikely this unprecedented growth in new jobs can be maintained — especially if the industry’s call for the government to provide greater support for R&D, better training and improved access to talent goes unheeded.”

Firms with the highest tech vacancies

JPMorgan was the organisation with the most technology vacancies in 2021, posting over 2,600 new jobs for tech professionals.

Sky was in second place and Version 1 in third. Amazon fell from second to fourth place this year and Nationwide came in at fifth place.

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