The UK could require around 488,000 workers for priority digital and technology occupations by 2035, according to a new Skills England assessment highlighting growing demand for technology expertise and the changing impact of artificial intelligence.

The assessment projects that employment across 30 priority digital and technology occupations could increase by 239,000 jobs, or 27%, between 2025 and 2035. A further 249,000 workers may be needed to replace people leaving these occupations.

Skills England says 68% of the identified priority occupations are already experiencing critical or elevated demand, underlining pressure on employers to find suitably skilled workers. Programmers, software developers, IT architects and systems designers are among the roles identified as particularly important.

The report also highlights how AI is changing technology jobs, with routine coding and testing increasingly supported by AI tools. Employers are placing greater emphasis on oversight, verification, judgement, communication and responsible use of AI.

Technical skills including application development, cybersecurity and maintaining digital technology systems are among the areas identified as important. The assessment also says 89% of projected additional employment in priority occupations is expected to require qualifications at Level 4 or above.

Skills England cautions that the figures are indicative rather than precise forecasts, particularly because the future effect of AI on employment remains uncertain. However, the assessment highlights the growing importance of digital skills to the UK's technology sector and wider economy.