Majority of UK’s tech workforce ‘prepared to leave the UK’, study finds
Three-quarters of British tech workers would be willing to leave the UK to work abroad, despite London ranking as the world’s best city for tech, according to a new survey.
Research by Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and Totaljobs found the majority of employees in the UK’s tech industry were the prepared to relocate, while just 61 per cent of non-tech workers would be happy to work abroad.
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The figures are in line with tech workers across the globe, as two-thirds of digital experts worldwide said they would be willing to move.
The readiness to relocate comes despite the fact London ranked as the top city for tech and digital experts, with the UK as a whole coming fifth.
“Whilst it is good news that London remains the most attractive city in the world for tech workers globally, UK companies – and the country as a whole – have to think very smartly about how we attract and retain the best UK and global digital talent, or they will vote with their feet,” said Nick South, partner and managing director at BCG.
The survey showed UK digital workers prioritised a healthy work-life balance in their job, with financial compensation and learning and development ranked less important.
Contrary to popular belief, most tech employees across the world said they favoured working in large companies with a wider network of opportunities, rather than small startups.
A report published earlier this month by startup body Tech Nation showed the UK is now the world’s top fintech hub, with high-growth firms ranking in more than £4.5bn in investment over three years.
But ongoing uncertainty around Brexit and the government's future immigration policy has sparked concerns about London's status as a tech hub.
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“At a time when there is a shortage of digital skills worldwide, it is unsurprising to find British tech workers tempted by offers abroad,” said Vinous Ali, head of policy at industry body Tech UK.
“The report shows why the UK government must urgently resolve issues such as Brexit and return its focus to building our digital skills pipeline.”