Mealkit unicorn Gousto launches London tech hiring spree amid war for talent in sector

Mealkit unicornGousto has announced it is looking to double the size of its London technology team with 250 high-skilled roles on offer as competition for software talent heats up.

The UK's tech skills shortage is seeing soaring wage inflation in the sector as firms compete to hire.

Companies are offering packages including flexible working and increased autonomy to lure in staff, with Gousto recently revealing it will allow its 1,000 office-based employees to "nomadic work" abroad for up to one month a year.

Founder and CEO, Timo Boldt, said the idea is to enable staff to enjoy more travel opportunities, and to visit friends and family based outside the UK. The firm is also trialling "flexitime" hours, and no minimum office days requirement for six months.

The subscription business, which has raised over £155 million, currently has a 200-strong tech team in the capital. It wants to make the 250 hires by the end of 2022, with roles on offer spanning data science, AI & software engineering.

Gousto said it is increasing its focus on data and AI to compete and "enable increased levels of personalisation for customers".

Alistair Cox, CEO of FTSE 250 white-collar recruitment giant Hays, has said the UK's "huge skills shortage" is leading to the current wage inflation being seen in the tech sector. Fellow firm Robert Walters said "hotspot" sectors include cybersecurity, with CFO Alan Bannatyne telling the Standard some junior software developers are managing to secure close to 100% pay increases in new roles amid the intense competition.