The number of tech jobs in England and Wales reached record levels in 2021, with tech firms publishing more IT vacancies in the last year than all British businesses combined did in 2020, a new labour market report says.

According to global recruitment consultancy Robert Walters and data analytics firm Vacancysoft, there were over 12,800 new vacancies for tech professionals in 2021, a rise of 105 per cent year-on-year and 57.3 per higher than the previous annual high set in 2018.

Tom Chambers, associate director at Robert Walters, said: "More money than ever is flowing into UK tech. The sector raised £29.4 billion in 2021, up from £11.5 billion in 2020. The combined value of UK tech companies founded since 2000 is now £540 billion, after the biggest year-on-year increase since 2013/14.

"More money means more job opportunities - and not just in London. Although it's the capital where most investment activity is focused, nearly £9 billion went to start-ups and scale-ups outside London and the South East."

Technology companies accounted for 53.8 per cent of all new IT vacancies in England and Wales.

James Chaplin, CEO of Vacancysoft, said: "The data reflects how demand for innovative tech and digital infrastructure from UK consumers and business soared in 2021, as restrictions still kept people largely at home and working remotely.

"Tech companies in the UK will expect sales, investment and headcount to grow this year. But it looks unlikely this unprecedented growth in new jobs can be maintained - especially if the industry's call for the government to provide greater support for R&D, better training and improved access to talent goes unheeded."

The firm with the most tech vacancies in 2021 was JPMorgan, publishing over 2,600 new jobs for tech professionals, a 107.3 per cent year-on-year increase. With growth of 61.4 per cent year-on-year, Amazon fell from second to fourth place in the table.

London remains the dominant region for new tech vacancies, accounting for 47.5 per cent of all new jobs. The South is the second largest region for tech vacancies, experiencing a 95 per cent year-on-year increase and accounting for 26 per cent of all IT roles. Wales saw the sharpest increase, with hiring levels up 121.8 per cent year-on-year.

The research found software development and engineering specialists were the most sought after in England and Wales, with recruitment levels up 88.2 per cent year-on-year. At 151.5 per cent, roles in IT support grew the fastest, while hiring for cyber-security experts experienced growth of 70 per cent year-on-year.