Recruitment insights: hiring trends and top skills for 2026

Your knowledge of hiring trends and the skills employers want could make the difference between a successful job application or a pay rise this year.

According to our research, employers are introducing more opportunities for learning and development, putting you one strategic choice away from increased professional value.

Already have some of the skills listed? A CV update could be all it takes to get ahead in 2026. Keep reading to learn more about the most in-demand skills for the future, according to our recruitment experts.

UK hiring trends for 2026

Hiring in 2026 is being driven by the need to negotiate a fast-moving landscape while remaining resilient and competitive. As employers attempt to keep up with the quickening pace of digital transformation, they're increasingly turning to talent with specialised skill sets to fuel their efforts.

Talent with the ability to combine traditional industry skill sets and deep knowledge with future-forward digital skills and AI capabilities is quickly becoming a top priority as businesses evolve to meet more advanced ways of working. According to research for the 2026 Salary Guide, 67% of employers say specialised skills influence their willingness to offer higher pay, making competitive salaries and better perks just one of the many benefits of upskilling in 2026.

Skills for the future: 2026 UK hiring market

Finance and accounting skills

1. Data analytics

2. Generative AI solutions

3. Budgeting and forecasting

4. Financial reporting

The finance skills taking top priority in 2026 blend deep financial knowledge with AI and digital skills to help future-proof operations - 45% of businesses have said that this approach will form the foundation of their financial team growth plans for 2026.

Other high-value skills needed for finance roles over the next 12 months include agentic AI experience and industry know-how, both of which are incredibly valuable in the current hiring market.

Technology skills

1. Cloud

2. Cybersecurity

3. (Automated) machine learning

4. Blockchain

Talent with specialised skills are some of the most valuable professionals in the tech and IT hiring market for 2026.

Businesses are looking for candidates with data engineering, AI, cloud architecture, and cybersecurity skills, amid mounting pressure for tech teams to lead large digital transformation and modernisation initiatives.

Marketing and creative skills

1. Social media

2. Graphic design

3. Data analysis

4. Generative AI use

Businesses are attempting to future-proof operations by employing creative and marketing talent with AI capabilities and digital expertise.

Video editing, project management, and copywriting skills are some of the most valuable from an employer perspective and can give you the advantage when competing for new roles.

Legal skills

1. Commercial contract management

2. Mergers and acquisitions

3. Generative AI

4. Analysis and research skills

Corporate, commercial, and regulatory requirements are driving hiring in the legal landscape for 2026.

Due to the challenge of hiring and retaining skilled talent, professionals with specialised skill sets, chiefly contract management, data privacy, and compliance, are in the strongest position to negotiate higher salaries and better benefits.

Administrative, HR, and office support skills

1. Customer experience

2. Data analytics

3. IT skills

4. Change coordination

People-centric skill sets meet technological capabilities. Hiring managers are awarding the best salaries and roles to professionals with excellent core customer support skills and change coordination experience, alongside the ability to handle data, work with AI tools, and use collaboration platforms.

As automation streamlines aspects of administrative and business support roles, the real value-add will be talent with the human touch alongside a future-looking upskilling plan.

Human Resources skills

1. HR information systems

2. Employment legislation

3. HR integrations

4. Talent acquisition

As businesses embrace a shift toward people-centric strategies, the role of HR has never been more vital. It’s also never been subject to such rapid evolution.

Due to changing talent expectations and digital transformation initiatives, tech-savvy talent with excellent people skills are the best placed for the future of work and salary negotiations.

For more information on skills for 2026 and hiring trend predictions across all sectors, read the Robert Half Salary Guide. Upload your CV or browse jobs now to find your next career opportunity.

The top five C-Suite roles gaining traction

Robert Half Employees Raise More Than $1 Million for Make-A-Wish International

Contracting confidence: The strategic advantage of interim professionals in an uncertain economy