In response to Chancellor of the Exchequer, Philip Hammond's spring statement, Di Mabe, client services director of leading Microsoft recruitment partner, Curo Talent, says: "I welcome Philip Hammond's embrace of technological change, as we build a Britain fit for the future. However, there should be an awareness of how businesses will source the right people from the technology talent pool based on current culture and trends. The demand of IT skills has led to many experienced people moving from permanent employment into the freelance market, which needs to be accounted for in future tax plans.
“This demand, particularly on new technologies, will always outstrip supply in this fast-moving sector. The Chancellor highlighted that one new technology start-up is established in the UK every hour. While IT start-ups may have the confidence to hire permanent staff they will invariably need support from experienced freelancers especially in the initial stages of developing and launching a new product.
"The introduction of T-levels may go some way in bridging the skills gap through quality technical education, but it will take time for 16-year olds to gain real world experience and filter into the workplace. It will not guarantee businesses a surplus of technical talent. I believe businesses will need to change their attitude to recruitment, accepting the freelance culture and offering more flexible working. Businesses should be hiring on the basis of skills, not commuting distance, even if this does mean allowing their IT staff to work remotely.
"With £50 million available to organisations to take on T-level placements, I urge businesses to make the most of this opportunity to secure home grown talent and provide the best in real world experiences.
"I also believe the recruitment sector can do more by offering better advice to young candidates on the in-demand technologies, and widening the pool of talent by driving diversity and addressing gender imbalance in technology roles through schemes such as the Tech Talent Charter. At Curo, we're doing our part. Between visiting local primary schools, helping teenagers with their CVs and inviting children to a space launch, we’re ensuring young people are enthusiastic about tech, which may mean more of them opt for the T-level route in years to come."