Almost two-thirds (65 per cent) of businesses see a digital skills shortfall as one of the most significant challenges facing their company in 2021.

The figures are based on research commissioned by FTSE 250 professional services firm FDM Group, which questioned 200 business decision-makers in large- and medium-sized companies about their attitude to hiring and improving IT and digital skills for 2021.

Of those questioned, 77 per cent said they already have plans to increase digital skills training budgets this year to support continued remote working.

Additionally, 70 per cent plan to offer existing workers reskilling or refresher tech and IT courses to help improve digital skills over the course of this year.

Over two-thirds (68 per cent) said they will increase their IT headcount to support remote working.

This appears to be a fitting investment, as nearly half (47 per cent) revealed they have no plans to return to the office until at least 2022, even if it is deemed safe to do so later in the year.

Rod Flavell, chief executive of FDM Group, said: “COVID-19 has wreaked havoc for businesses, with millions of workers missing out on vital digital skills development due to furlough and remote working constraints.

“With the added pressure of strict lockdown measures forcing many people to juggle childcare alongside their day job, companies need to move quickly to increase digital skills provision as a matter of urgency.”

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