As the workplace continues to evolve at lightning speed, UK jobseekers need to stay ahead of the curve. Whether you’re returning to work, pivoting careers, or just entering the job market, understanding the top skills for 2025 will put you at a serious advantage. In this guide, we explore the top 10 IT skills in demand for 2025, alongside broader top skills for jobs in the UK that jobseekers can’t afford to ignore. Drawing from the World Economic Forum’s top skills of 2025 and tailored specifically for the UK market, this post provides actionable advice to help you futureproof your career.
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Jump to:
- Why skills are evolving (and fast)
- Top 10 skills 2025 (World Economic Forum)
- Most in-demand skills for UK jobseekers in 2025
- Bonus: Top 15 skills for 2025 (World Economic Forum extended list)
- How to build these skills (without breaking the bank)
- FAQs: Top skills in the UK for 2025
- Final thoughts: What are the best skills for job searching in 2025?
- References and further reading
Why skills are evolving (and fast)
The World Economic Forum (WEF) predicts that 50% of all employees will need reskilling by 2025 due to the adoption of new technologies and automation. As roles evolve, so too must our skillsets. For UK jobseekers, this means rethinking what counts as “job-ready”.
From digital know-how to emotional intelligence, the WEF top skills 2025 list places equal value on technical and soft skills. Employers are increasingly looking for agile, well-rounded candidates who can adapt quickly and think critically.
Top 10 skills 2025 (World Economic Forum)
According to the World Economic Forum, the following will be in highest demand across industries:
📌 Source: World Economic Forum
These top 10 skills for 2025 apply globally, but how do they translate to the UK market?
Most in-demand skills for UK jobseekers in 2025
Based on UK labour trends, here’s how those global insights map onto in demand skills for jobseekers in the UK:
1. Digital literacy & cybersecurity awareness
As more roles move online, understanding how digital tools work—and how to protect data—is one of the most in-demand skills for UK jobseekers in 2025.
💡 Best skills for job searching: Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, password management, and basic cybersecurity.
2. Data analytics & visualisation
Whether you’re in HR or finance, the ability to interpret and present data is now mission-critical.
🔍 Tools to learn: Excel, Tableau, Power BI, and SQL.
3. Coding and software development
Part of the top 10 IT skills in demand for 2025, coding is no longer just for developers. Many roles now benefit from at least a foundational understanding of how websites, apps, and automation work.
💻 Hot languages: Python, JavaScript, and HTML/CSS.
4. Artificial Intelligence (AI) & machine learning
With AI becoming embedded in everything from customer service to hiring, familiarity with its principles is essential.
👩💻 Great for roles in marketing, IT, and product development.
5. Cloud computing
AWS, Google Cloud, and Azure experience are now highly sought after. This is one of the top skills for jobs 2025 UK employers are actively recruiting for.
6. Project management & Agile methodologies
Knowing how to manage people and processes in fast-paced environments is key.
📈 Learn: Agile, Scrum, Kanban, and tools like Jira or Asana.
7. Communication & emotional intelligence
Strong interpersonal skills remain at the core of most job descriptions—especially in hybrid and remote settings.
8. Adaptability & resilience
One of the most undervalued but good skills to have when looking for a job, adaptability shows you can thrive under pressure and change.
9. Customer Experience (CX) & UX Design
User-first thinking is a skill many UK employers now prioritise, especially in service, marketing, and tech.
10. Financial literacy
With inflation, budgeting, and pensions at the forefront of people’s minds, financial awareness is emerging as one of the top skills UK 2025 candidates need, even in non-finance roles.
Bonus: Top 15 skills for 2025 (World Economic Forum extended list)
If you’re aiming to truly stand out, the 2025 World Economic Forum report also includes:
These form the backbone of many leadership and client-facing roles, and are crucial for career returners looking to rebuild confidence and competitiveness.
How to build these skills (without breaking the bank)
You don’t need to go back to university to pick up the top ten skills of 2025. Here are some free or affordable UK-based platforms:
- FutureLearn – UK-based courses on AI, data analysis, project management and more.
- OpenLearn – Free courses from The Open University.
- Codecademy – Beginner to advanced coding.
- Google Digital Garage – Excellent for digital marketing and soft skills.
FAQs: Top skills in the UK for 2025
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Final thoughts: What are the best skills for job searching in 2025?
Whether you’re eyeing a return to work or considering a career shift, focus on building a blend of tech fluency, adaptability, and people skills. The top skills for jobseekers 2025 in the UK aren’t just about what you know, they’re about how you learn, solve problems, and collaborate.
Looking for more tailored career support? Check out our Learning Hub, packed with templates, tips, and training to help you land your next role.
References & further reading
To support the guidance in this blog post, here are some trusted UK-based and international resources:
🧠 UK Government – National Careers Service
📚 CIPD – Learning and Development in the UK
👩💻 Tech Nation
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