UK Cybersecurity Job Openings Increase by 12% Annually

UK cybersecurity job vacancies are increasing at an annual growth rate of 10-12%, with hiring teams facing challenges in locating qualified candidates for these positions. Analysis conducted by the recruitment firm Robert Walters indicates that there are approximately 17,000 active cybersecurity vacancies at any given time in the UK.

The report forecasts that these vacancies will continue to grow at the same percentage in the coming years, which will contribute to the ongoing and well-acknowledged cybersecurity workforce gap.

Ajay Hayre, Principal Consultant for Cybersecurity at Robert Walters, noted, “Given the limited pool of suitably skilled candidates, hiring teams are struggling to find the right individuals to fill open positions.” He added that organizations are increasingly resorting to headhunting and employee referrals to secure talent.

Cybersecurity has consistently ranked among the top five in-demand skill sets across professional services over several years. The firm emphasized that as cyber threats become more sophisticated and widespread, the demand for cybersecurity specialists is intensifying across all sectors. This rapid evolution of techniques and technologies can make it difficult for professionals to keep up with the necessary skill advancements.

Currently, the most sought-after roles in the cybersecurity landscape include:

– Cloud Security Engineers
– Security Operations Center (SOC) Analysts
– Penetration Testers and Ethical Hackers
– Cyber Risk and Compliance Specialists
– AI and Threat Intelligence Analysts

Hayre highlighted that positions related to operational technology are among the hardest for companies to fill due to the scarcity of qualified talent.

The retail sector is expected to increase its cybersecurity recruitment efforts following recent high-profile cyberattacks targeting well-known UK retailers, including Marks & Spencer, Co-op, and Harrods. This sector currently accounts for about 1,700 cybersecurity vacancies, representing approximately 10% of the total.

In terms of vacancy distribution, the finance and banking sector leads with 3,400 positions (20%), followed by public sector and defense at 3,060 vacancies (18%), technology and digital services at 2,720 vacancies (16%), and healthcare and life sciences at 2,040 vacancies (12%).

Phill Brown, Global Head of Market Intelligence at Robert Walters, stated, “Many retailers rank among the top employers of cybersecurity talent and consistently allocate significant resources to enhance their security systems. However, in light of these recent incidents, we anticipate that budgets may be stretched even further this year.” He added that this situation serves as a crucial reminder for businesses: by hiring the right professionals and prioritizing continuous training, organizations can better protect themselves against the evolving landscape of cyber threats.

Regarding recruitment barriers, Hayre noted that firms need to provide competitive salaries to attract skilled cybersecurity professionals. Although salary levels have stabilized since the post-COVID boom, roles within the cybersecurity domain must remain appealing—through either the nature of the positions or attractive compensation packages—to secure the right candidates.

He acknowledged that the ongoing global economic volatility and rising living costs are limiting hiring budgets for many organizations. In addition, firms should reevaluate the length of their hiring processes, as protracted decision-making can lead to lost opportunities.

An upcoming webinar on May 19 will tackle the challenges surrounding cybersecurity recruitment. An expert panel will discuss how organizations can adapt their hiring strategies to draw from a larger talent pool and will offer guidance for job seekers, particularly those aiming to enter the cybersecurity field.