UK Tech Talent

UK Tech Talent Market: 

Introduction
The UK tech talent market is more competitive than ever. With more opportunities than qualified candidates, software engineers, cloud specialists, and infrastructure professionals are no longer asking, “Will I get a job?”—they’re asking, “Which company deserves me?” For employers looking to secure permanent hires, this shift demands a deeper understanding of what candidates value beyond salary and job titles.

At Jobpeals, we speak to hundreds of candidates each month. As the UK’s most trusted agency for permanent tech jobs, we use these insights to help clients refine their messaging, structure offers, and craft a hiring experience that resonates with the top end of the market.

Beyond Perks: Purpose, Progress and People
It’s a common misconception that tech candidates are swayed by ping pong tables, free snacks and Friday drinks. The truth is much more strategic. According to LinkedIn’s Talent Insights Report (2024), the top three motivators for UK-based tech professionals seeking new roles are: the chance to work on meaningful products, opportunities for career progression, and working with technically strong teams.

That’s why Jobpeals encourages employers to lead with purpose. We help hiring managers articulate the mission behind the product, the impact of the role, and how it fits into a long-term vision. These are the conversations that matter to serious candidates in today’s tech careers market.

Flexible Structures Are No Longer a Luxury
One of the most significant shifts since the pandemic is how flexibility now factors into decision-making. Engineers expect autonomy in how, when, and where they work. According to Gartner (2023), 81% of UK tech candidates say flexibility is non-negotiable when considering a permanent role.

This doesn’t mean every company must go remote-first. It means being clear about expectations, offering hybrid models when possible, and empowering engineers to work without micromanagement. Jobpeals works with companies to frame flexibility not just as a perk, but as a philosophy—integrated into team structure, tooling and culture.

The Power of Technical Leadership and Learning Culture
In tech, candidates don’t just join companies—they join teams. And those teams are judged by their leadership. Developers and IT professionals want to know who they’ll be learning from, how code quality is maintained, and whether continuous improvement is prioritised.

At Jobpeals, we advise clients to spotlight team leads, showcase engineering practices and highlight mentorship or learning pathways during the hiring process. According to a report by Stack Overflow (2024), developers who believe they’ll grow technically are 2.8 times more likely to accept an offer.

Transparency Builds Trust
Transparency is now an essential part of recruitment. Vague role descriptions, unclear benefits or hidden reporting lines are red flags for tech professionals. SHRM (2023) notes that job seekers in technology are more likely to reject offers if they perceive any aspect of the process as lacking transparency.

Jobpeals ensures clients offer a clear breakdown of responsibilities, expectations, and growth pathways before an offer is made. We also recommend role walk-through calls with hiring managers to answer questions and build rapport before the contract stage. These practices reduce offer drop-offs and improve post-hire engagement.

Reputation Is Everything
In the world of IT jobs, word travels fast. Platforms like Glassdoor, Reddit and LinkedIn have made company culture more visible than ever. What candidates read about your hiring process or onboarding experience can impact whether they engage with your role at all.

That’s why Jobpeals helps clients control the narrative. We encourage them to respond to feedback, highlight recent team wins, and share authentic stories from current engineers. Building a reputation as a transparent, fast-moving and values-led employer is one of the best ways to attract talent that aligns with your goals.

What Jobpeals Brings to the Conversation
We’re not guessing. We’re listening. Our team has real-time insight into what tech candidates want—and how to speak to those needs. We don’t just pass along CVs; we guide employers in presenting roles in ways that resonate with each individual candidate.

Because we focus solely on permanent tech roles, we’re deeply invested in long-term outcomes. Our placements aren’t just accepted—they stay, thrive, and contribute. That’s what happens when you align what candidates want with what your business offers.

Conclusion
The best UK tech talent isn’t asking for perks—they’re asking for purpose, flexibility, leadership and clarity. Jobpeals helps you deliver all four. In a crowded hiring landscape, we ensure your voice rises above the noise and reaches the right people, with the right message, at the right time.

If you’re ready to move beyond transactions and build long-term engineering teams, Jobpeals is your partner of choice.

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References

1. LinkedIn, “Talent Insights UK Report,” 2024
2. Gartner, “Flexible Work Preferences in Tech,” 2023
3. Stack Overflow, “Developer Insights Report,” 2024
4. SHRM, “Transparency and Offer Declines,” 2023
5. McKinsey & Company, “What Tech Candidates Value Most,” 2022
6. Deloitte, “Future of Work Study,” 2023
7. Harvard Business Review, “Tech Hiring and Culture Alignment,” 2022
8. CWJobs, “UK Tech Worker Trends,” 2023
9. Indeed, “Remote and Hybrid Trends in Tech Hiring,” 2023
10. Glassdoor, “Engineering Culture Reviews in the UK,” 2023
11. Forbes, “Attracting Top Engineering Talent,” 2022
12. Jobvite, “Employer Brand Perception,” 2023