IT jobs and recruitment

Top 10 IT careers and skills stories of 2024

Looking back at the skills and hiring landscape in 2024, Computer Weekly shares the key moments for IT careers and skills over the past 12 months Continue Reading

By

• Clare McDonald, Business Editor

Ofcom publishes Illegal Harms Codes of Practice

The codes of practice and guidance from Ofcom outline the steps online services providers can take to protect their users from illegal harms Continue Reading

By

• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

Tech workers say diversity and inclusion efforts are working

The status of diversity in the technology sector remains up for debate, but some tech industry workers are seeing improvements, says Tenth Revolution Group Continue Reading

By

• Clare McDonald, Business Editor

Government launches £100m innovation fund for public service reform

Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster calls on Whitehall to adopt a ‘test-and-learn’ culture and pledges to make government ‘more like a startup’ Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

How AI can help you attract, engage and retain the best talent in 2025

On the Fifth Day of AI, we explore how AI is reshaping HR – boosting productivity, addressing concerns, and preparing organisations for the future. Continue Reading

By

• Toria Walters, ANS

Is diversity suffering because of budget management?

Many are considering quitting their jobs over the next year because of rising workloads and falling team sizes. Are firms misallocating budgets and causing retention issues? Continue Reading

By

• Cath Everett

UK medical trial of four-day week finds staff happier and more productive

Researchers said the results of the trial conducted with employees of a learning technology firm provide ‘further compelling evidence’ on the benefits of four-day work weeks for employees Continue Reading

By

• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

Cornwall-based charity launches diverse career programme

Community focused not-for-profit Tech Cornwall has developed a skills programme to help people from diverse backgrounds move into tech careers Continue Reading

By

• Clare McDonald, Business Editor

CISOs will face growing challenges in 2025 and beyond

From Covid-19 to war in Ukraine, SolarWinds Sunburst, Kaseya, Log4j, MOVEit and more, the past five years brought cyber to mainstream attention, but what comes next? The Computer Weekly Security Think Tank looks ahead to the second half of the 2020s Continue Reading

By

• Mike Gillespie and Ellie Hurst, Advent IM

Fears tighter Finnish immigration laws could deter IT talent

A new wave of restrictive immigration laws threatens to significantly hamper efforts by Finnish firms to recruit international IT talent Continue Reading

By

• Gerard O'Dwyer

Barings Law plans to sue Microsoft and Google over AI training data

Microsoft and Google are using people’s personal data without proper consent to train artificial intelligence models, alleges Barings Law, as it prepares to launch a legal challenge against the tech giants Continue Reading

By

• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

The Most Influential Women in UK Technology 2024

In this week’s Computer Weekly, we reveal the 50 most influential women in UK technology for 2024. Read an interview with the winner, co-CEO of Tech She Can, Sheridan Ash. And meet this year’s rising stars – six women with a bright future in IT leadership. Read the issue now. Continue Reading

7 talent acquisition strategies for better hiring in 2025

Learn strategies for recruiting in a still-challenging market, including shifting to skills-based hiring, promoting company initiatives and establishing an employer brand. Continue Reading

By

• Christine Campbell, The Alpha Content Company

Computer Weekly announces the Most Influential Women in UK Tech 2024

Computer Weekly has revealed who is on the 2024 list of the 50 Most Influential Women in UK Tech, including this year’s winner, Sheridan Ash Continue Reading

By

• Clare McDonald, Business Editor

Computer Weekly’s Women in UK Tech Rising Stars 2024

Each year, Computer Weekly selects a number of Rising Stars who are making waves in the women, diversity and inclusion in tech space and may find themselves on the top 50 list in the future Continue Reading

By

• Clare McDonald, Business Editor

From beauty model to tech role model – this year’s most influential woman in UK tech

This year’s most influential woman in UK tech, Sheridan Ash, talks about her path into the tech space, from modelling after leaving school at 16, to creating an organisation dedicated to encouraging girls and women to pursue tech roles Continue Reading

By

• Clare McDonald, Business Editor

Underfunded, under pressure: We must act to support cyber teams

With almost half of cyber pros experiencing more incidents this year, security leaders say their teams are coming under increasing strain. Businesses must be more proactive approach about building a resilient, future-ready workforce Continue Reading

By

• Chris Dimitriadis, ISACA

Denmark’s AI-powered welfare system fuels mass surveillance

Research reveals the automated tools used to flag individuals for benefit fraud violate individuals’ privacy and risk discriminating against marginalised groups Continue Reading

By

• Josh Osman, Computer Weekly

The Loan Charge scandal explained: Everything you need to know

Tens of thousands of IT contractors have been saddled with life-changing tax bills as a result of a controversial, retroactive government policy – and the fall-out from its introduction has been likened to the Post Office IT scandal Continue Reading

By

• Caroline Donnelly, Datacentre Editor

Mike Potter’s departure leads to changes at the CDDO

The government digital officer left his role in September, and government chief technology officer David Knott is currently leading the Central Digital and Data Office (CDDO) in the interim while permanent arrangements are agreed Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

UK Bolt drivers win legal claim to be classed as workers

Employment Tribunal ruling says Bolt must classify its drivers as workers rather than self-employed, putting drivers in line to receive thousands of pounds in compensation from the ride-hailing and delivery app Continue Reading

By

• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

AI a force multiplier for the bad guys, say cyber pros

CIISec’s annual report on the security profession finds evidence of growing concern that artificial intelligence will ultimately prove more useful to threat actors than defenders Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Starmer announces tech-enabled crackdown on people smuggling

The UK government has announced a further £75m of funding for its Border Security Command, meaning it will now have £150m over two years to spend on new technologies and staff Continue Reading

By

• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

Outside IR35: What the Autumn Budget’s Employers’ NI changes mean for IT contractors

The UK government used the Autumn Budget to announce an increase to the amount of Employers’ National Insurance Contributions companies will have to pay, which could have big implications for IT contractors Continue Reading

By

• Caroline Donnelly, Senior Editor, UK

What will the Employments Rights Bill mean for tech employers?

Tech businesses with attractive salaries and perks are often quick to hire and fire as economic cycles change but that is likely to change following the government’s new Employment Rights Bill. Continue Reading

By

• Asten Hawkes, Senior Associate, Employment Law team, BDB Pitmans

DWP appoints Helen Wylie as its new chief digital and information officer

Wylie steps up from chief technology officer to replace her departing boss, Rich Corbridge, to take over one of the largest IT estates in Europe Continue Reading

By

• Bryan Glick, Editor in chief

IR35: Fallout from public-private sector reforms still being felt by IT contractors

Research from accountancy consultancy Sapphire suggests IT contractors are still feeling the downbeat effects of the IR35 reforms Continue Reading

By

• Caroline Donnelly, Senior Editor, UK

Kenyan workers win High Court appeal to take Meta to trial

Despite the company arguing that Kenyan courts have no jurisdiction over an American company, the Nairobi High Court has ruled that Meta must face more than 180 content moderators and data labellers in court over allegedly poor working conditions, negative mental health impacts, and loss of pay Continue Reading

By

• Adele Zeynep Walton

Basic network management interview questions and answers

Job interviews should be a two-way conversation. Hiring managers and job applicants should review common network management interview questions before an interview. Continue Reading

By

• Amy Larsen DeCarlo, GlobalData

NCSC chief warns of gap in cyber threats and defence capabilities

The UK and its allies must take collective action to improve their cyber resilience and repel the increasing volume of severe cyber attacks, says NCSC chief Continue Reading

By

• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

EU cyber security bill NIS2 hits compliance deadline

The EU’s NIS2 bill will harmonise how companies and member states approach cyber security, but its success will depend on how well it is implemented and enforced Continue Reading

By

• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

Tech and digital skills key to improving police productivity

The Policing Productivity Review sees data and technology as a way of improving productivity and outcomes, as well as a potential means of restoring diminishing legitimacy, but warns there needs to be a revamp in digital skills, investment and coordination to harness the full range of benefits Continue Reading

By

• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

Hillingdon Council commits £9m to tech revamp in digital strategy

Hillingdon’s three-year digital strategy will see the council fund attempts to modernise its systems and infrastructure, change how residents interact with the local authority and make better use of data Continue Reading

By

• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

Half of UK tech workers planning to leave role, finds Harvey Nash

A large number of people in the UK, and globally, are looking to switch tech roles, according to research by Harvey Nash Continue Reading

By

• Clare McDonald, Business Editor

UK and US pledge closer working on children’s online safety

In their first agreement on the subject of children’s online safety, the UK and US governments have said they will create a new working group to boost cooperation Continue Reading

By

• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

Afas leads the way with four-day work week in the Netherlands

Dutch labour unions want a shorter working week and software company Afas is leading the way, introducing a four-day work week from 1 January 2025 Continue Reading

By

• Kim Loohuis

UK Cyber Team seeks future security professionals

Young people from across the UK have a chance to represent the country in international competitions and advance their future careers in cyber security Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

DWP CIO Rich Corbridge leaving to join property developer

The digital chief at the Department for Work and Pensions is moving on only 18 months after starting his role in the civil service Continue Reading

By

• Bryan Glick, Editor in chief

Can the Post Office project to replace Horizon be rescued?

Evidence from the Post Office public inquiry shows huge problems with the critical project to replace the troubled Horizon IT system – after two government-mandated reviews, is there any sign it can succeed? Continue Reading

By

• Bryan Glick, Editor in chief

Non-traditional routes will increase tech diversity, says Tech Returners

Research by organisations Women in Tech North and Tech Returners finds that women believe developing alternative routes into tech jobs will help close the industry’s diversity gap Continue Reading

By

• Clare McDonald, Business Editor

Rising IT talent costs shadow Sweden’s skills shortage and market reforms

Swedish businesses face challenges recruiting the right IT staff, as salary demands increase Continue Reading

By

• Gerard O'Dwyer

Cyber UK’s quickest growing tech field, but skills gap remains

More people than ever are joining the cyber security profession in the UK, according to a report, but there is still a serious shortage even with a doubling in numbers Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Amazon Mechanical Turk workers suspended without explanation

A likely glitch in Amazon Payments resulted in hundreds of Mechanical Turk workers being suspended from the platform without proper explanation or pay Continue Reading

By

• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

Cyber teams say they can’t keep up with attack volumes

Over 60% of European security pros say their teams are understaffed, and over 50% don’t have enough budget, according to data from ISACA Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Vote: Who should be the 2024 Most Influential Woman in UK Tech?

Each year, we ask our audience who should be named the most influential woman in UK technology. Tell us what you think – the deadline for voting is 18 October Continue Reading

By

• Clare McDonald, Business Editor

Powering Britain’s economy – datacentres gain in status

In this week’s Computer Weekly, the UK government has finally classified datacentres as critical national infrastructure – we ask, what took it so long? We assess the impact of the EU’s new energy efficiency rules on datacentre operators. And we discuss the power of information and diversity with the chief data officer at Legal & General. Read the issue now. Continue Reading

Most Influential Women in UK Tech: Computer Weekly’s Hall of Fame

Computer Weekly’s Hall of Fame showcases the great women who have made a lifetime contribution to the technology sector Continue Reading

By

• Clare McDonald, Business Editor

Most influential women in UK tech: The 2024 longlist

In Computer Weekly’s search for this year’s top 50 Most Influential Women in UK Tech, hundreds of women have been put forward for consideration. Here, we look at a list of everyone nominated in 2024 Continue Reading

By

• Clare McDonald, Business Editor

Government on the hunt for science and tech leaders

The prime minister’s Council for Science and Technology is looking for 10 members to join the council, which advises government on science and technology issues Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

Public digital transformation will be challenged by austerity

Public sector and IT industry figures gathered at TechUK’s 10th annual Building the Smarter State event discussed how Labour’s ‘mission-driven’ policy approach can drive digital transformation efforts in the context of fresh austerity measures Continue Reading

By

• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

Will autonomous weapons make humans passive participants in war?

Experts warn the emergence and adoption of AI-powered military systems may eventually push battlefield decision-making beyond the limits of human cognition Continue Reading

By

• Kyle Hiebert, Computer Weekly

Cyber workforce must almost double to meet global talent need

Research from ISC2 finds global cyber workforce needs additional 4.8 million people to fully secure businesses Continue Reading

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• Clare McDonald, Business Editor

Longstanding Darktrace CEO Poppy Gustafsson to step down

Darktrace CEO Poppy Gustafsson is to leave the AI cyber company she helped build with Mike Lynch after more than a decade, following its acquisition by a private equity firm Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Time to step up in supporting neurodiverse talent at work  

Because it affects such a significant proportion of people, any employer striving to create an inclusive workplace has to have neurodivergence on the agenda Continue Reading

By

• Rhona Carmichael, Nash Squared and Adam Harper, Harvey Nash

UK’s C-suite more technically skilled than others, finds Accenture

Looking at CEO and board-level positions globally, Accenture found the UK has the most technically skilled C-suite worldwide Continue Reading

By

• Clare McDonald, Business Editor

Police Digital Service staff arrests: Everything you need to know

In July 2024, details emerged that two employees working for the Police Digital Service had been arrested on suspicion of bribery, fraud and misconduct in public office. Here’s everything we know about the story so far Continue Reading

By

• Caroline Donnelly, Senior Editor, UK

Government renews hunt for UKRI CEO

Two senior innovation roles are up for grabs as government looks for a CEO to lead UK Research and Innovation, as well as a new executive chair of Innovate UK Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

Check Point secured for annual Security Serious cyber awards

The annual Security Serious Unsung Heroes awards, recognising the champions of the UK cyber security industry, are back once again, with a new headline sponsor joining the party Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Women face greater risk of job displacement from automation

A combination of the types of jobs women perform and biases influencing the development of artificial intelligence leaves them in more danger of AI disruption Continue Reading

By

• Clare McDonald, Business Editor

Number of girls taking GCSE computing grows three years in a row

Gender split at GCSE level narrows as number of girls taking GCSE computing in the UK rises for the third year in a row Continue Reading

By

• Clare McDonald, Business Editor

Tech sector layoffs mount amid AI investment frenzy

Technology firms globally are cutting their workforces as they look to increase spending on and investment in artificial intelligence Continue Reading

By

• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

Number of women choosing computer science degrees up 8%

Computer science has a persistent gender divide, but research by BCS has found more women are now being accepted on computing university courses Continue Reading

By

• Clare McDonald, Business Editor

CW APAC – Tech career guide: Software development

A software developer’s job typically involves working through the stages of the development lifecycle, from planning, designing, coding and testing to the ongoing maintenance of applications. In this handbook, Computer Weekly looks at what it takes to land a career and thrive in the fast-moving world of software development. Continue Reading

Lack of skills causing AI setbacks, says research

Research by IDC and Expereo found UK CIOs are struggling to implement and maintain AI plans because of a lack of skills Continue Reading

By

• Clare McDonald, Business Editor

Number of girls taking A-level computing exceeds 3,000

Girls taking A-level computing has seen a large year-on-year jump between 2023 and 2024 Continue Reading

By

• Clare McDonald, Business Editor

Top 9 most in-demand tech jobs of 2024

For job seekers in 2024, it's important to find a role that will be in high demand both now and in the coming years. Here are nine of the most promising jobs in technology. Continue Reading

By

• Amanda Hetler, Senior Editor
• Wesley Chai

Post Office brings in new IT chief as it awaits funding for Horizon replacement

Incoming tech leader Andy Nice will be responsible for the troubled programme to replace the Horizon IT system at the heart of the Post Office scandal - and a new non-executive director for technology is on the way too Continue Reading

By

• Bryan Glick, Editor in chief

Australia’s cyber security skills gap remains pressing issue

Study reveals Australia’s critical shortage of cyber security professionals, escalating the risk of data breaches Continue Reading

By

• Aaron Tan, TechTarget

The shifting landscape of DEI in the tech industry

Diversity, equity and inclusion was once a regularly discussed part of the tech industry, but as attitudes shift, what does this look like for the DEI landscape of tech in the near future? Continue Reading

By

• Cath Everett

AI disempowers logistics workers while intensifying their work

Conversations on the algorithmic management of work largely revolve around unproven claims about productivity gains or job losses - less attention is paid to how AI and automation negatively affect low-paid workers Continue Reading

By

• Andrew Kersley

The Prince’s Trust partners with tech company to draw kids into sector

New programme from The Prince’s Trust sees partnership with tech company encourage young people into the IT sector Continue Reading

By

• Clare McDonald, Business Editor

9 AI-proof IT jobs, plus how to be irreplaceable

As automation and artificial intelligence tools do more work in more organizations, some technologists are worried AI will take their job. Learn which jobs are safest and why. Continue Reading

By

• David Weldon

Cyber lessons, and priorities for the UK's new government

With Labour returning to 10 Downing Street after 14 years, the Computer Weekly Security Think Tank panellists share advice and wish lists for the new government Continue Reading

By

• Ameet Jugnauth and Mark Pearce

Labour should focus on talent to improve UK's cyber posture

With Labour returning to 10 Downing Street after 14 years, the Computer Weekly Security Think Tank panellists share advice and wish lists for the new government Continue Reading

By

• Elliott Wilkes

Labour, international talent and the technology sector

Why the UK needs a first-class visa scheme capable of landing talented IT workers quickly Continue Reading

By

• Louise Haycock

Nominate: Most Influential Women in UK Technology 2024

Tell us who you think should be included in Computer Weekly’s 2024 list of the 50 most influential women in UK technology Continue Reading

By

• Clare McDonald, Business Editor

CISO mentoring – who to turn to when the worst happens

Those who get the role of a CISO may have overcome some professional hurdles, but are they ready to face what comes as part of the job? And who do they ask for advice? We look at the mentoring dilemma Continue Reading

By

• Dan Raywood

CrowdStrike blue screen bug serves a stark warning

In this week’s Computer Weekly, we analyse the lessons from the global IT outage caused by the blue screen bug in CrowdStrike security software. We talk to the data chief of Barilla, the €4bn pasta maker, about the benefits of asking, “So what?” And we find out how Finland is taking a lead on quantum computing. Read the issue now. Continue Reading

ICO reprimands Essex school for illegal facial recognition use

The Information Commissioner’s Office has reprimanded Chelmer Valley High School in Chelmsford for introducing facial recognition and failing to conduct a legally required data protection impact assessment and obtain the explicit consent of students Continue Reading

By

• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

Engaging young people with careers in STEM at the Goodwood Festival of Speed

Backed by astronaut Tim Peake, the Future Lab exhibition at Goodwood’s annual celebration of motoring aimed to engage children with the excitement of technology innovation. Computer Weekly went to take a look Continue Reading

By

• Bryan Glick, Editor in chief

Tech workers misinformed about number of women at top, finds Computer Weekly

Half of IT workers in Europe believe there is good representation of women in leadership positions in tech, despite numbers telling a different story Continue Reading

By

• Clare McDonald, Business Editor

How the Mercedes F1 IT team helped Lewis Hamilton win the British Grand Prix

Computer Weekly went behind the scenes with the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One team, during its victorious British Grand Prix weekend, to find out about the role of IT in beating the stopwatch Continue Reading

By

• Bryan Glick, Editor in chief

Labour government begins to dish out digital responsibilities

As the new government begins to settle in, ministers with technology remits begin to emerge as DHSC and others declare which ministers will have digital responsibilities Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

Finnish tech sector opposes government’s immigration reforms

The tech sector in Finland fears talent shortage as government introduces stricter immigration policy Continue Reading

By

• Gerard O'Dwyer

GDS appoints Christine Bellamy as CEO

The former head of Gov.uk has taken over as CEO of the Government Digital Service following the departure of Tom Read in June Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

AI and cyber skills worryingly lacking, say business leaders

A lack of skilled workers has been an ongoing concern for the tech sector, but Computer Weekly’s annual survey finds skills in artificial intelligence and cyber are a particular pain point Continue Reading

By

• Clare McDonald, Business Editor

Computing curriculum leaving digital skills behind, research suggests

Research by the Subject Choice, Attainment and Representation in Computing Project has found that the technical focus of the computing curriculum is leaving many without other important digital skills Continue Reading

By

• Clare McDonald, Business Editor

APAC career guide on software development

In this career guide, we look at what it takes to land a career and thrive in the fast-moving world of software development Continue Reading

By

• Aaron Tan, TechTarget

UK data regulator should investigate police cloud deployments

The Scottish biometrics commissioner has called for the UK Information Commissioner’s Office to formally investigate whether Police Scotland’s cloud-based evidence sharing system is fully compliant with data protection laws Continue Reading

By

• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

The shift towards developing internal tech talent

When it comes to tech roles, companies often have difficulty hiring skilled workers to fill positions, so some are looking internally to develop the talent they need Continue Reading

By

• Cath Everett

Police Scotland did not consult ICO about high-risk cloud system

Police Scotland chose not to formally consult with the data regulator about the risks identified with a cloud-based digital evidence sharing system, while the regulator itself did not follow up for nearly three months Continue Reading

By

• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

A revolution in space

In this week’s Computer Weekly, we talk to astronaut Tim Peake about the imminent revolution in space tech and what it means for IT leaders. AI is set to transform the movie industry – we hear from the producers of the latest Mad Max film about how it’s already changed the process for them. And we find out about plans for Neom, the Saudi Arabian smart city in the desert. Read the issue now. Continue Reading

Tech Talent Charter to disband after nearly 10 years of operation

As the IT industry hits an ‘inflection point’ in its progress towards a more equitable sector, the Tech Talent Charter is bowing out, leaving the industry with resources it has produced since 2015 Continue Reading

By

• Clare McDonald, Business Editor

Tech industry losing steam for DE&I, finds TTC report

Tech sector diversity is slowly improving, but trends spotted by the Tech Talent Charter could be a threat to current and future progress Continue Reading

By

• Clare McDonald, Business Editor

CIO interview: Career progression and business alignment

We speak to the CIO of law firm Kingsley Napley about his progression from PC support to IT leadership Continue Reading

By

• Cliff Saran, Managing Editor

Cobol knowledge crisis threatens Dutch financial systems

Expertise in complex Cobol systems, critical to major financial institutions, is dwindling in The Netherlands, resulting in retired professionals returning work Continue Reading

By

• Kim Loohuis

Fujitsu cuts half of UK-based Oracle practice team

Fujitsu is reducing staffing levels at its UK Oracle Practice in a move cited as ensuring its competitiveness Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

Having female AI decision-makers is a priority for 37% of UK business leaders

Research from IBM reveals almost 40% of UK business leaders think getting women into decision-making positions is increasingly important in the era of artificial intelligence Continue Reading

By

• Clare McDonald, Business Editor

Leadership accountability is key to diversifying talent

Awareness is not enough - building a diverse and inclusive organisation requires leadership Continue Reading

By

• Bev White, Nash Squared

Next UK government must be prepared to legislate on AI, say MPs

The House Science, Innovation and Technology Committee says the next government should be ready to legislate on artificial intelligence to plug any regulatory gaps Continue Reading

By

• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor