In a recent Forbes survey 93% of 500 UK businesses surveyed said there is an IT skills gap. 42% of these say the challenge comes from the speed of advancements in technology and 41% said that training and development issues are impacting this. Competition in the jobs market and salary differences are also hindering businesses hiring techie roles.

So how, when technology is at the heart of almost every business operation, can we help businesses find and retain skilled IT professionals?

The UK’s IT talent crunch

The UK is currently facing a significant shortage of IT talent, with a gap between the demand for skilled professionals and the available workforce. This scarcity is due to several factors. The digital transformation boom has created an insatiable appetite for IT skills across various sectors. From cybersecurity to data analysis, the demand is skyrocketing. Then there’s the skills gap, the pace of technological advancement is outstripping the education and training system’s ability to keep up. As a result, there’s a glaring skills gap that’s difficult to bridge.  Employee turnover is another factor, IT professionals often have multiple opportunities at their fingertips. High demand means they can easily jump ship for better opportunities, leaving employers struggling to retain talent. And with the shift towards remote work, the talent pool has expanded, but it’s also intensified competition, making it challenging to secure top talent.

The impact on businesses

The shortage of skilled IT professionals has far-reaching consequences for businesses in the UK. It affects everything from project timelines to innovation and overall competitiveness. Some of the key impacts include:

  • Delayed projects: without the right IT talent in place, projects get delayed, costing businesses both time and money.
  • Innovation stagnation: skilled IT professionals are the driving force behind innovation. A lack of talent can hinder a company’s ability to stay competitive and adapt to changing market conditions.
  • Increased costs: competition for IT talent often leads to inflated salaries and hiring costs, putting additional financial pressure on businesses.

The smart way forward with smart/hands

So, what can businesses do when faced with this talent drought? That’s where smart/hands comes in. We understand that hiring and retaining skilled IT professionals can be like searching for a needle in a haystack. That’s why we offer a lifeline in the form of temporary or ad hoc resource solutions.

Our approach is simple yet effective. We provide you with access to a pool of pre-vetted, senior IT professionals who are ready to jump in and help you bridge the talent gap. Here’s why smart/hands is your smart choice:

  • Immediate availability

No more waiting months to find the right hire. We can provide skilled IT professionals quickly, so you can keep your projects on track.

  • Cost-effective

Avoid the hefty recruitment costs and salaries associated with full-time hires. Pay for the expertise you need, when you need it.

  • Flexible solutions

Whether you need a short-term resource boost, niche expertise, or assistance with a specific project, smart/hands can tailor solutions to your unique requirements.

In a resource-scarce IT landscape, businesses need to adapt and find innovative ways to stay competitive. With smart/hands by your side, you can navigate the talent drought confidently, ensuring your projects stay on track and your business continues to thrive in the digital age.

Get in touch with us today to discover how we can be your trusted IT resource partner.