Report warns the UK could leave half its AI roles unfilled

ITPro reported that new research from Native Teams and Robert Walters projects a severe UK AI talent shortage by 2028. The report estimates demand could reach nearly 300,000 AI roles, while domestic supply may be only about 137,000. The researchers argue that companies are increasingly turning to cross-border hiring as payroll, compliance, and remote-work infrastructure mature. They also frame AI talent availability as a bottleneck for turning AI investment into measurable productivity rather than just a hiring issue.

Key details: Published June 19, 2026, The report projects nearly 300,000 UK AI roles by 2028, Estimated domestic supply is about 137,000 roles, The researchers say cross-border hiring could lift UK productivity growth.

Why it matters: The AI adoption bottleneck is increasingly about people and operating capacity, not only model access or cloud spend.