Revealed: The top 15 fastest growing skills in the UK

As technological transformation upends ‘business-as-usual’ and forces companies and professionals alike to adapt, LinkedIn has revealed the 15 fastest-growing skills in the UK that companies are increasingly hiring for right now.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, artificial intelligence is at the forefront of this shift, with a separate LinkedIn report revealing that by 2030, 70% of the skills used in most jobs will change, with AI emerging as a catalyst.

LinkedIn insists that for organisations, navigating this transformation means embracing skills-based hiring practices to build a workforce equipped for the future – which could expand the talent pool in the UK by more than eight times.

For professionals, it is about staying ahead, whether that is learning new, in-demand skills or deepening existing areas of expertise. Many are already taking action: a quarter of professionals say they plan to focus on learning new skills this year.

This is the pick of the pops:

Relationship Building: The post-pandemic era has highlighted the importance of authentic connections and trust in business, making relationship building a key driver for success.

Strategic Thinking: Employees who can think strategically are better equipped to navigate their careers, make informed decisions and contribute meaningfully to their organisations.

AI Literacy: As AI rapidly transforms industries, companies are increasingly looking for professionals with the ability to understand and utilise tools harnessing that technology for business purposes.

Communication: Effective communication is essential in today’s digitally connected world of remote and hybrid work.

Large Language Model (LLMs) Utilisation: The growing capabilities of LLMs in automating and enhancing language-related tasks are driving their adoption across industries

Customer Relationship Management: To meet high customer expectations, companies value employees who can manage customer interactions effectively and build lasting relationships.

Adaptability: With the rapid pace of change in the workplace – from the ongoing return-to-office push to technological advancements – continuous learning and resilience are key to staying ahead of the curve.

Market Analysis: Understanding industry trends and the ability to make data-driven decisions is critical in a competitive business landscape.

Data Management: The need for accurate and comprehensive data to drive business insights and decision making has made data management a foundational skill.

Conflict Resolution: Strong conflict resolution skills allow employees to handle workplace disputes constructively, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment.

Documentation: Accurate and thorough documentation is essential for record keeping, ensuring transparency and supporting decision-making processes.

Regulatory Compliance: With increasing regulations across industries, businesses need employees with compliance skills to avoid legal issues and maintain operational integrity.

Financial Planning and Analysis: Effective financial planning and analysis is crucial to driving business growth at firms, particularly at times of economic uncertainty.

Social Media Management: The rise of social commerce and the need for authentic engagement make social media management a vital skill for reaching and converting consumers.

Cold Calling: Despite the rise of digital marketing, cold calling remains a valuable technique for direct customer engagement and lead generation.

A LinkedIn spokesperson said: “From AI literacy to conflict resolution, these are the skills that professionals are prioritising and companies are increasingly hiring for. Whether you’re looking to grow in your current role or position yourself for your next move, this list points to the areas of opportunity to stay ahead of the curve.”

TOPICS:LinkedIn recruitment skills soft skills training