Recent data from LinkedIn has highlighted the rapidly changing job market in the UK, with significant growth in roles related to artificial intelligence and sustainability. The report, which was released on 7th January 2025, identifies positions such as Artificial Intelligence Engineer, Artificial Intelligence Researcher, and Environmental Officer as the fastest growing jobs in the country.
As the job market experiences a cooling period, with hiring trends slowing down, the LinkedIn data underscores a shift towards technology and environmental roles that present new opportunities. However, the survey reveals that a substantial 45% of UK HR professionals believe their companies lack a clear understanding of the skills required in the future.
Projected changes in skill requirements are considerable, with an expected evolution of 65% in needed job skills by 2030 compared to 2016 levels, largely propelled by the rapid advancement of AI technologies. A striking 55% of positions listed as "Jobs on the Rise" on LinkedIn did not exist 25 years ago. The findings illustrate that AI and green skills are becoming increasingly essential, with about 20% of UK workers expressing concern over their preparedness for future job requirements.
According to Janine Chamberlin, Head of LinkedIn UK, “New AI and sustainability roles are redefining work, but the competition for these roles and the need for upskilling are adding pressure.” Speaking on the broader trends, she added, “Yet, amidst these challenges, there is hope – over a third of job seekers are optimistic that the job market will improve in 2025.” She emphasised that resilience, adaptability, and continuous learning are crucial for navigating the evolving job landscape.
Remote job roles continue to be highly sought after, with remote positions receiving over three times the number of applications compared to available roles across the EMEA region. Meanwhile, hybrid job postings have increased by 10.2% year-on-year, constituting 34% of job postings in the EMEA region. The UK has recorded one of the highest shares of remote job applications at 18%, with hybrid job postings reaching 40%.
The findings further indicate a burgeoning demand for talent with green skills, which has reportedly grown at twice the rate of supply between 2023 and 2024, witnessing an increase in demand of 11.6% against a 5.6% increase in supply. By 2030, predictions suggest that one in five jobs will lack the green talent necessary to fill them, and this gap is expected to widen to one in two jobs by 2050. Those possessing green skills enjoy a notable advantage in the hiring process, with a 54.6% higher hiring rate compared to overall workforce metrics.
Amidst these trends, LinkedIn is set to introduce several new tools and unlock learning courses aimed at aiding professionals and businesses to adapt. These initiatives include the release of an AI agent Hiring Assistant, which is designed to manage repetitive recruitment tasks, and will initially roll out to select recruiters in Australia, Brazil, Canada, India, Mexico, the Philippines, Singapore, and the United States, with a global rollout planned for the future.
Alongside these tools, LinkedIn is offering free access to multiple online learning courses to help HR teams develop their AI-related skills and assist job seekers in securing new opportunities. The learning courses cover various topics, including AI engineering, data governance, and green skills, catering to the evolving demands of the job market.
In summary, the landscape of employment in the UK is undergoing significant transformation, characterised by the rise of AI-driven roles and an increasing emphasis on sustainability skills. As businesses and professionals navigate this complex environment, the emphasis on continuous learning and upskilling is becoming increasingly vital.
Source: Noah Wire Services