UK Firms Step Up AI Governance Hiring and Training, Randstad Finds

UK companies are hiring AI governance specialists and investing in compliance and safety training, according to a new study by Randstad. Its findings also point to growing demand for credentials that demonstrate AI skills, alongside continued difficulty finding technology workers with strong communication skills.

Two in five UK companies (42%) are hiring dedicated AI governance specialists, compared with 31% globally, the study says. British firms are also ahead of the global average in investment in AI compliance and safety training for existing workers: 62% compared with 54% globally.

Nearly half of employers (49%) prioritize micro-credentials and vendor certifications over traditional university degrees, according to the report. Meanwhile, advertisements for junior jobs requiring AI skills have reportedly increased 6.5 times compared with early 2022.

Recruiters also report challenges finding people with communication skills. Two in three (64%) say it is harder to find technology professionals with strong communication skills than those with coding skills. “While technical certifications and practical experience are becoming increasingly valuable, human skills such as communication and stakeholder management remain critical,” said Sanjeev Kaul, managing director of Randstad Digital UK.

Kaul said UK employers are preparing their workforces for the shift by investing in existing workers and new recruits. The report says other organizations could follow suit to keep pace with competition.