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The presence of Artificial Intelligence in the workplace is undoubtedly growing, but how are tech employers responding to AI's evolving role in their organisations? And where do contractors come into the equation?
In the year ahead, alongside the ongoing importance of soft skills, employers are predominantly searching for professionals with expertise in AI (39%), according to new research by Hays.
Employers are also on the lookout for individuals who are proficient in transformation, projects and change (37%), architecture (36%), cloud (31%) and data and advanced analytics (30%).
Close to three quarters (73%) of employers are confident AI will positively impact their organisation in the next 12 months, and more than half (56%) say their company is currently investing in AI, a significant increase from those who said the same last year (35%). A further 24% plan to follow suit.
Chatbots and Large Language Models (LLMs) are the primary AI technologies being invested in (63%), even more so than last year (48%), followed by Machine Learning (47%) and Robotic Process Automation (44%).
The top five reasons organisations are investing their time and money into AI are to increase productivity (31%), improve customer service (27%), develop new revenue streams (17%), reduce costs (11%) and increase compliance and reduce errors (10%).
The most popular approach for employers to source the AI skills they need is to work with contractors - almost half of employers (47%) plan to take this route, rising from 43% who planned to do so last year. The next most opted for method to access AI skills is to upskill internal talent in using AI (41%).
More than half (53%) of contractors believe AI will positively impact their role in the year ahead, whereas a third (33%) are uncertain about AI’s impact, leaving 14% who are concerned the impact will be negative. Still, most contractors (81%) plan to upskill in AI in the future, rising from 75% who said the same last year.
Amanda Whicher, Technology Director of Hays UK&I, comments: “We are seeing a strong demand for a broad range of specialist tech skills and AI expertise is up there as the main criteria for employers today.
It’s clear that AI can bring about many benefits, from boosting productivity to reducing human error, but effective training and development is crucial for accessing the necessary skills to get the best out of AI.
To help overcome the skills shortages that remain rife across the tech industry, employers must consider how they can implement upskilling opportunities to ensure their teams are up to speed with emerging technologies and tap into the potential of the much-needed expertise contractors can offer.”
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About the research:
The market trends data is based on survey findings of over 700 technology contractors and those engaging them. The survey was conducted between May-June 2025 and was completed by organisations of all sizes across the private and public sectors. The survey on which the comparisons are based was carried out in April-May 2024 and secured over 920 responses.
Contact
Contact information for any media enquiries relating to Hays UK and Ireland: PR team number: 020 3040 0282 PR team email: public.relations@hays.com
About Hays
Hays plc (the "Group") is the world’s leading specialist in workforce solutions and recruitment, such as RPO and MSP. The Group is the expert at recruiting qualified, professional, and skilled people worldwide, being the market leader in the UK, Germany, and Australia and one of the market leaders in Continental Europe, Latin America, and Asia. The Group operates across the private and public sectors, dealing in permanent positions, contract roles and temporary assignments. As of 30 June 2024, the Group employed over 11,100 staff operating from 236 offices in 33 countries. For the year ended 30 June 2024:
