Growing AI Skills Gap Across UK Workforce
Gardiner & Theobald (G&T) was commissioned by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology to assess the UK’s AI skills labour market in 2025, building on a 2020 study.
Drawing on extensive surveys and interviews, the research contributes to the delivery of the AI Opportunities Action Plan and provides an evidence-based overview of workforce capability and future demand.
The study shows that AI skills shortages are widespread, with 97% of organisations reporting at least one gap. More than half (57%) identify technical shortages in areas such as programming and data science, while 28% say these gaps are already impacting their ability to achieve business goals. As AI adoption accelerates across sectors, the challenge of securing appropriately skilled talent is intensifying.
Demand is set to rise further, with 57% of organisations planning to adopt Agentic AI within the next three years. Despite growth in alternative pathways such as apprenticeships, many employers continue to rely on informal, on-the-job training, highlighting a disconnect between education provision and industry need. The report underscores the importance of expanding apprenticeships, improving alignment between academia and employers, and widening access to AI careers to strengthen and diversify the talent pipeline.
Jatinder Judge, Associate at G&T, said: “AI adoption is accelerating across sectors, but access to skilled talent remains a key challenge. This research provides valuable insight into the scale of the skills gap and highlights the importance of continued investment in education, training and workforce development.”
The report concludes that coordinated action across education, industry and government will be essential to secure the long-term resilience and competitiveness of the UK’s AI ecosystem.
Download the full report here.
The findings reflect G&T’s independent views and do not represent government policy.