The latest Experis Tech Talent Outlook reveals a 24% Tech & IT Net Employment Outlook for Q1 2026.
Nearly 3,800 Tech & IT Services’ employers across 41 countries, including over 200 from the UK, were asked about their first quarter hiring intentions in the latest edition of the Experis Tech Talent Outlook.
Despite a year-on-year decline (31%) in tech hiring, demand remains strong as employers invest in digital capability and cybersecurity. AI is no longer confined to tech – it’s reshaping every sector, from manufacturing to finance, making it a truly sector-agnostic force in the labour market.
Michael Stull, Managing Director, ManpowerGroup UK said:
“The rise of AI presents a strategic crossroads: invest in specialist talent or upskill the wider workforce. Mid-sized firms and emerging players are leading the charge, while larger organisations continue to consolidate. There remains a big question for the UK in 2026 – how to close the productivity gap and improve growth. Firms may decide to go one of two ways: either increase focus on upskilling all workers in AI to work smarter not harder; or, make targeted investments in advanced out-of-the-box AI solutions.”
Download the Experis Tech Talent Outlook to unpack the insights:
