UK tech diversity improves, but challenges remain in 2024

New data reveals that diversity in the UK's tech sector is improving, although challenges remain.

The Diversity in Tech 2024 research report, published by mthree, highlights a positive shift in organisational demographics across gender, ethnicity, and socio-economic backgrounds within UK businesses.

The report indicates a decrease in gender diversity issues from 40% last year to 26% this year. Furthermore, ethnic diversity challenges have decreased from 41% to 24%, and socio-economic diversity issues have reduced from 34% to 26%.

Young tech workers have started to notice these improvements, with 45% reporting their teams as "very diverse" – a 6% increase from previous figures. Additionally, 77% of these employees believe their employers are implementing effective diversity initiatives.

Khadijah Pandor, Head of Partnerships, EMEA & NA at mthree, stated: "Each year, we look at how the UK's tech workforce is evolving – and how employers and young talent feel about the current state of play. It was really encouraging to see such positive progress evident in this year's results - from the lower proportion of organisations facing diversity challenges to the positive ways in which many young employees perceive their teams' make-up."

Pandor added: "The industry is clearly taking heed of the well-documented diversity challenges it faces and making proactive interventions to rewrite that narrative. This is something we've experienced first-hand, as employers of tech talent increasingly look for our support to hire candidates from different backgrounds, provide job-ready training, and enable talent to thrive when deployed into tech teams."

Despite these advancements, the report acknowledges that diversity issues persist. Sixty percent of organisations have admitted that their tech teams still lack diversity, and over half (54%) of young tech workers experience discomfort due to aspects of their identity.

The male-dominated reputation of the tech sector remains a significant obstacle for 39% of young people, while worries about ethnic diversity have climbed from 8% to 14%.

Pandor continued: "While we should see this year's findings as a positive step forward and celebrate the industry's efforts, we must acknowledge that longstanding diversity issues in tech and perceptions of the sector don't just go away overnight."

She elaborated: "Indeed, the number of organisations reporting specific diversity issues is down year-on-year, but over half of organisations still note a lack of diversity in their teams. But it's perhaps even more concerning to see young tech workers – many of which will be getting their first taste of working in the sector – reporting discomfort as a result of an aspect of their identity."

"Going forward, tech employers must ensure that their recruitment and retention efforts are equally tailored and effective. To cultivate and maintain diversity in tech teams, the focus must be on not only encouraging talent from different backgrounds to enter the workforce but also supporting them to find a sense of belonging and thrive once in post," Pandor concluded.

The 2024 report is the fourth annual edition, with the previous ones released under the brand name Wiley Edge before mthree's acquisition earlier this year. The document offers a comprehensive examination of influences on diversity, including remote working practices and inclusion strategies.