Employment Hero said hiring in the UK science and technology sector rose in March, with younger workers recording the strongest gains. Based on anonymised payroll data from almost 700 science and technology businesses employing more than 9,700 people, the company said sector employment increased 0.3% month on month and 6.3% year on year across all age groups. Among Gen Z workers, the figures rose to 3% month on month and 14% year on year.
Employment Hero said the data points to continued momentum in a sector that has remained a strategic priority for the UK economy. The company also referred to earlier research it commissioned showing that 62% of business leaders are creating new roles in response to AI.
The regional picture was uneven. Employment in Greater London fell 0.3% year on year in March, according to Employment Hero’s data, while the North of England rose 11.5% and the East of England 19.7%. The Midlands recorded 2.7% growth, while the South excluding London fell 2.3%.
Wages also increased. Employment Hero said pay in the sector rose 0.7% month on month across all age groups in March, increasing to 1.9% for Gen Z workers, ahead of every other generation. Kevin Fitzgerald, UK Managing Director at Employment Hero, said: “Our data shows that the UK’s focus on science and technology is beginning to pay off, driving growth and providing young people access to new types of jobs.”
Fitzgerald added that the market continues to face “chronic skills shortages and an ageing workforce”. Employment Hero said the data suggests competition for younger talent is intensifying as employers seek to recruit and retain staff in science and technology roles.
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