Lockdown fuels demand for Microsoft 365 skills

Microsoft’s productivity cloud, Microsoft 365, has jumped six places in a list of the most in-demand IT jobs skills/job titles, according to an analysis of ITJobsWatch data carried out by the TeleWare Group.

This reflects an increase in demand for remote working technology, with Microsoft 365 commercial revenues growing 25% in the last quarter.

In total, there were 5,174 permanent job adverts citing Microsoft 365 in the six months to 17 June 2020. This makes up 6.25% of all permanent IT jobs in the UK, compared to 4.1% in the same period in 2018.

The median annual salary for an IT professional boasting Microsoft 365 skills is £44,500, an increase of 11% from 2018.

Industry downward trend in hiring 

While Microsoft 365 has climbed the list of in-demand skills, the total number of permanent job roles citing the technology has dropped by 27%.

This is reflective of the wider jobs market, with listings for the #1 ranked skill on ITJobsWatch (agile software development) declining by 52% over the past six months.

 Steve Haworth, CEO of the TeleWare Group, comments: “Not all companies are in a position to increase headcount right now, with freezes on hiring, pay raises and promotions. But making technology work for remote workers has to be a priority. 

“Ambitious businesses will still invest in the right skills and consultancy to build a strong foundation to implement new ways of working. Technology solutions should incorporate Microsoft 365, better connectivity through network provision, hardware, and AI solutions to set workers up for success.

“Tapping into the Microsoft talent on the market right now – or working with a trusted partner – will deliver better connectivity, collaboration and productivity to drive a strong bounce back.”