UK businesses drive up salaries for compliance and cybersecurity roles amid rising threats

New research from recruitment firm Robert Half has highlighted a sharp rise in salaries for risk, compliance and cybersecurity professionals as UK businesses seek to defend themselves from escalating threats, including those linked to rogue state actors.

Recent attacks on major brands including Marks & Spencer, Co-op and Jaguar Land Rover have exposed vulnerabilities even in large organisations.

Robert Half said the fallout from such breaches has pushed resilience to the top of boardroom agendas, with 42% of employers planning to hire IT security specialists in the coming months and 48% citing cybersecurity as an immediate hiring priority.

A further 26% intend to expand permanent legal, risk and compliance teams, while 23% are boosting contract resource to strengthen resilience.

The research found that 63% of employers would offer above-market premiums to secure specialist skills, particularly in compliance, governance, security architecture and threat intelligence. Almost half (44%) said cybersecurity hires specifically will require premium pay in the year ahead.

Matt Weston, senior managing director at Robert Half UK & Ireland, said: “In today’s climate, a breach isn’t just an operational failure – it’s a financial and reputational catastrophe.

“With rogue state threats, increasingly sophisticated hacking groups and rising regulation, firms that fail to invest in risk, compliance and security talent will be exposed.

“We’re seeing salary outlays rise, roles expand in scope and expectations from boards at an all-time high.”