diginomica’s 2025 digital careers report - cautious hiring gives way to year-end momentum as AI skills drive demand

It was going to be a positive year for digital careers. For the recruiters, some report good news, others are more cautious. For digital leaders looking for the next role, it has been one of the most difficult years to date, but the year ends on a high note.

Recruiters described the year ahead as full of opportunity and promise in January. Throughout the year, it has not always felt that upbeat. Venquis founder Barnaby Parker reports that the UK’s insurance sector has remained strong and that the investment management sector is seeking digital leaders again. Matt Cockbill, executive search partner at Odgers, is the most buoyant about what has passed:

Without question, 2025 has been a positive year with greater momentum in senior hiring, but this remains to be set in the context of continued uncertainty and volatility.

Odgers says it has seen demand across all sectors, but ...