The UK has seen a dramatic decline in tech job adverts over the past five years, with listings falling by 50% since 2019. This drop is far steeper than the overall job market, where adverts have decreased by 31% in the same period. A recent report by the National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER) attributes this sharp decline to the growing relocation of tech roles overseas and the increasing impact of artificial intelligence on the industry.
Software development roles have been hit particularly hard. Job postings for programmers plummeted by nearly 70% between 2019 and 2025, with the pace of decline accelerating over the past two years. Beyond job adverts, the number of people employed as software developers actually fell in 2024 compared to 2023, marking the first decline in the field since 2006.
The downturn raises concerns about the future talent pipeline. The lack of entry-level opportunities particularly affects young people, making it harder for them to break into the industry.
The risk of a long-term shortage of professionals
The report warns that a sustained drop in junior recruitment could lead to a long-term shortage of experienced professionals capable of moving into senior roles. In response to the changing landscape, employers have raised qualification requirements for tech positions, with increasing job listings demanding higher levels of education and specialized skills since 2022.
Luke Bocock, NFER’s research director, described the findings as a “worrying shift” driven by intense global competition and AI advancements. If these trends continue unchecked, they could severely limit career opportunities for young people seeking to enter the tech sector. However, there are still areas of resilience. Roles in engineering (excluding software), science, and research have remained relatively stable since 2022, suggesting that certain fields within the tech industry may still offer opportunities for those looking to start their careers.
As the industry evolves, widening access to tech careers will be critical to maintaining a diverse and inclusive workforce.