Digital transformation projects that underpin industry momentum are highly reliant on talent from outside the UK.
http://digit.fyi/interoutes-digital-transformation/
Nearly half of UK IT firms on average feel threatened by the possibility of a skills shortage from prospective restrictions on hiring, according to new research from cloud network provider Interoutes. In a survey of 120 UK IT leaders, 87% of organisations reported that they were reliant on temporary talent pools to complete digital transformation projects. But, on average, 42% of the workers on these schemes do not possess a UK passport. Interoutes reports that ‘flexible and multi-cultural’ teams enable transformation schemes, but this momentum is now at risk as post-Brexit policies could threaten how contractors are employed.
The survey was issued as part of the report ‘Transforming for Success in a Changing World’, published online by Interoutes. With nearly six in 10 (59%) of organisations pursuing digitalisation over the next year, Interoutes found that the cost of skills to support this and related transformations is on average 31% higher than other IT projects in the UK. But industry leaders know the price too – according to the survey 96% of the 120 organisations questioned recognised that the cost of professionals in IT transformation is higher than other IT initiatives. Nearly half (48%) of leaders claimed that a skills disparity poses a threat.
Issues surrounding interim recruitment could impact the timescales of digital schemes, according to more than three quarters (76%) of the organisations questioned. Nearly half (48%) of firms reported that such delays would set back project completion dates by as much as six months while the business hires permanent staff. A further 28% claimed that complications would halt their digital transformation plans indefinitely. More than one in 10 (11%) believed that not employing contractors would increase their overall expenditure on skills and talent.
Mark Lewis, EVP Products and Development at Interoute said: “Businesses are relying on digital transformation projects to deliver their long-term future success in a changing world. Faced with a short supply and higher cost base for digital skills, organisations are not just looking at ways to access more talent, but also looking to focus that talent on the specific technology that differentiates their business. They want to avoid drawn-out systems and infrastructure integration projects that can be costly, take a long time to become operational and be slow to evolve.”
More than four in 10 businesses (42%) reported to Interoutes that they had made it their objective to enhance the employee experience, through initiatives such as increased workforce collaboration between dispersed and mobile working groups. A further 38% also reported back to Interoutes that they will look to ‘globalise’ their infrastructure so that the business can use skills from as wide a talent-pool as possible, as part of their digital transformation strategies, despite the possibility of restrictions.
Mark said: “The key here is to enable your organisation to shift from worrying about piecing together network and clouds to instead choosing and developing your best software. Do this by leveraging pre-integrated global infrastructure, so your most valuable skills can be put towards making a difference for your business.”
Access to the best IT talent is key and often due to shortages visa sponsorship is required with professionals coming from outside of the EU. For more information regarding Tier 2 General Visa sponsorship, contact us at consult@mavisas.co.uk.
Thanks in advance.
Mason Alexander