There is a major digital skills shortage in the UK and skilled digital professionals command a premium in the market, making it hard for departments to recruit.23 Government estimates that the number of digital, data and technology professionals in the civil service is around 4.5%, less than half the number it needs when compared to an equivalent industry average of between 8% and 12%, and so the number will need to double.24 Departments are facing particular shortages in roles such as data a...

There is a major digital skills shortage in the UK and skilled digital professionals command a premium in the market, making it hard for departments to recruit.23 Government estimates that the number of digital, data and technology professionals in the civil service is around 4.5%, less than half the number it needs when compared to an equivalent industry average of between 8% and 12%, and so the number will need to double.24 Departments are facing particular shortages in roles such as data architects and cyber security experts, which are difficult to recruit and where the skills command a premium in the market.25 Government is trying to impr Type: conclusion | Number: 12 | Response status: accepted Government response: 4.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: June 2025. 4.2 The government has set a target that at least 6% of the overall workforce of the Civil Service will be members of the Digital, Data and Technology profession by J