UK businesses falling behind in the AI economy amid ‘perfect storm’ of skills challenges, Hexaware warns

Hexaware, a global IT services firm, has warned that UK businesses risk falling behind in the AI economy due to a significant skills gap. The warning comes as Hays' 2026 UK trends report indicates that nearly half of UK businesses — 47% — face moderate or extreme AI skills shortages. Hexaware described the situation as a 'perfect storm' of challenges.

The Hays report, which surveys hiring trends, provides data on the extent of the skills deficit. It notes that the shortage spans both technical AI roles and broader AI literacy across industries. Hexaware's warning is based on its own observations of the UK market, where demand for AI talent is outstripping supply.

The implications, according to the article, include potential loss of competitiveness for UK enterprises in the global AI economy. Hexaware suggests that without urgent action to address training and recruitment, the UK could miss out on productivity gains and innovation opportunities that AI offers. The article does not detail specific government or industry responses.