Evolution of the UK Job Market: Jobs That Didn’t Exist in 2000, That Are Now in High Demand

The job market in the United Kingdom has undergone remarkable transformations over the past two decades. Advancements in technology, shifts in consumer preferences, and changes in societal needs have given rise to a plethora of job opportunities that were virtually non-existent in the year 2000. Many companies are reporting gaps and issues in their hiring, and research by ADP shows that 55% of hiring managers say that retention and turnover are the top issues hurting their ability to hire staff today. Why is this? Well, one of the reasons is the number of jobs we all need to fill that just weren’t a consideration, or a much smaller part of the operation not so long ago. And they are accelerating.

You may have seen James’s recent blogs about Coding Schools and academies (The Positive Impact of Learning to Code at a Young Age: Empowering the Next Generation for the Future Workplace  – Your Talent Solutions), which recognise the growing need for these skills. People can now choose careers and remote and in-person learning in ways they couldn’t access before. IBM famously recruit Developers from their coffee shop now, so if you’re struggling to find Barista’s for your coffee shop, your hiring problem might be a little bigger than you thought.

From people tasked with improving a company’s sustainability and environmental credentials through to Virtual Reality Developers, the recruitment landscape has been rapidly changing and shows no sign of slowing down.

 

Data Analysts and Data Scientists

The data revolution has given rise to a surge in data-related jobs. Data analysts and data scientists are in high demand across various industries, from finance to healthcare. In 2000, the data analytics field was in its infancy, but today it has grown exponentially. In the UK, there was a 129% increase in data analyst job postings between 2018 and 2021, according to data from the job search platform, Indeed.

 

Cybersecurity Specialists

With the increasing threat of cyberattacks, cybersecurity specialists have become indispensable. These professionals protect organisations from digital threats and breaches, a role that was far less prominent in 2000. Cybersecurity job postings in the UK increased by 56% from 2020 to 2021, according to a report by CyberSeek.

 

Social Media Managers

The rise of social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram has given birth to the role of social media managers. These individuals are responsible for brand presence and engagement on social networks, a job that didn’t exist in the same form in 2000. The demand for social media managers has grown steadily in recent years, with job postings increasing by 13% in the UK in 2021, as reported by the Digital Marketing Institute.

 

App Developers

The proliferation of smartphones and the app ecosystem have created a substantial need for app developers. From iOS to Android, these professionals design and build the mobile apps that have become an integral part of our daily lives. In the UK, there was a 64% increase in job postings for app developers between 2019 and 2021, according to data from Indeed.

 

E-commerce Managers

The growth of online shopping and e-commerce giants like Amazon has led to the emergence of e-commerce managers. These individuals oversee online sales strategies, customer experience, and logistics, a role that has gained prominence in the digital age. E-commerce manager job postings in the UK increased by 49% between 2020 and 2021, according to research by Digital Commerce 360.

 

Sustainability Officers

The global focus on sustainability and environmental concerns has given rise to sustainability officers within organisations. These professionals are tasked with developing and implementing sustainable practices, reducing carbon footprints, and ensuring corporate responsibility. The demand for sustainability officers in the UK has steadily increased, with a 29% growth in job postings in 2021, as reported by GreenBiz.

 

Podcast Producers and Hosts

Podcasting has surged in popularity over the past decade. The creation of podcasts has led to the emergence of new roles such as podcast producers and hosts. These individuals’ script, record, edit, and market podcasts across various niches. The UK saw a 16% increase in job postings for podcast-related roles in 2020, according to data from Podcast.co.

 

Virtual Reality (VR) Developers

Virtual reality has expanded beyond gaming and entertainment, finding applications in industries like healthcare, education, and architecture. VR developers create immersive digital experiences that were unimaginable in 2000. Job postings for VR developers in the UK witnessed a 32% increase in 2021, according to data from Glassdoor.

 

AI and Machine Learning Engineers

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) have revolutionised industries like finance, healthcare, and autonomous vehicles. AI and ML engineers design and implement algorithms that enable machines to learn and make decisions. The demand for AI and ML engineers in the UK has been on the rise, with job postings increasing by 45% in 2021, according to LinkedIn data.

 

Remote Work Coordinators

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the shift towards remote work. Remote work coordinators manage the logistics of remote teams, ensuring productivity, communication, and work-life balance for employees working from various locations. Job postings for remote work coordinators surged by 457% in the UK between 2020 and 2021, according to data from FlexJobs.

The job market in the United Kingdom has evolved significantly since the year 2000, reflecting changes in technology, consumer behaviour, and societal values. The emergence of roles such as data analysts, cybersecurity specialists, and sustainability officers showcases how industries have adapted to new challenges and opportunities. As we move forward into the future, it’s clear that the jobs market will continue to evolve, creating exciting opportunities in fields that were once unimaginable. Adaptability and lifelong learning will remain key as the job landscape continues to transform.

Changing your recruitment methods is crucial to adapt to evolving demographics, technology, and market dynamics, ensuring that your organisation remains competitive and future ready. It doesn’t mean you can’t recruit successfully, far from it, and you can, but make now a good time to review what you’re doing and how you’re doing it. Especially if you’ve noticed your hiring metrics creaking in a way they haven’t before.

Email david@yourtalentsolutions.co.uk to discuss Strategic Resource Assessment and Retention Diagnostics, and where to start.