The UK tech industry, despite its rapid expansion and employment of over two million people, has been found to be one of the most socioeconomically exclusive sectors. Only 9% of employees in this sector come from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, a stark contrast to industries like finance and law, where 29% and 23% of workers, respectively, hail from similar backgrounds. This disparity highlights a significant barrier to entry for those from working-class families, exacerbated by unequal access to technology education and resources.
Efforts to diversify the sector have seen mixed results. While there has been progress, such as a doubling in the number of women in tech roles over the past decade, challenges remain. The folding of the Tech Talent Charter, a government-funded diversity initiative, due to a “lack of commitment” within the industry, underscores the struggle to maintain momentum in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.
To break into the tech sector, experts recommend strategies such as leveraging personal stories, making use of networking platforms like LinkedIn, and proactively seeking out companies that prioritise social mobility. Additionally, there is a call for the elimination of unpaid internships, which disproportionately disadvantage those from lower-income backgrounds.
The sector's reliance on traditional, often nepotistic recruitment channels means that many talented individuals from less privileged backgrounds are overlooked. Highlighting successful individuals from similar backgrounds, like Mustafa Suleyman of DeepMind and Gary Izunwa of Tangent, can inspire others and demonstrate that it is possible to overcome these barriers.
In conclusion, while the UK tech sector is a powerhouse of innovation and growth, it still has significant work to do in becoming truly inclusive. Addressing these disparities not only benefits those from working-class backgrounds but also ensures that the industry as a whole does not miss out on untapped talent.
