Recent headlines have focused on layoffs in some of the world’s biggest tech firms and growing concern over AI replacing jobs across the UK. However, new research shows the perception couldn’t be further from the truth with at least 40% of businesses in the energy, health, transport, industrial, finance and tech sectors seeking to increase their headcount by the end of the year.

The data shows the over half (59%) of UK employers believe AI will create more jobs and will benefit the workforce. This comes as almost half (49%) of IT employers in the UK are looking to hire in Q4, and are looking to use all forms of hiring to plug skills gaps; using permanent talent (52%), temporary talent (49%) and gig workers (34%) over the next 12 months, highlighting an encouraging landscape for jobseekers.

With eight in ten (80%) UK employers saying they are unable to find the talent they need when recruiting this year, with a shortage in IT at a 17-year high, recruiters are keen to showcase how transferable skills are in demand in Tech with employers looking for candidates who demonstrate skills in communication, collaboration and teamwork (36%), and critical thinking and analysis (30%). Around a quarter of employers (26%) in this sector are also looking to hire those who demonstrate skills such as curiosity and active learning, creativity and problem-solving.

The news comes as Experis are set to connect 15,000 skilled tech professionals with thousands of tech and IT roles across the country at their ‘Disrupt the Tech Layoffs’ events in Bristol, Solihull, Manchester, Edinburgh and London, with jobs in the tech sector expected to be a third higher than this time last year.