LinkedIn and Stack Overflow: 'London holds top EU spot as destination for tech workers'

According to the latest figures from LinkedIn and Stack Overflow, London is the top destination in Europe for international tech workers.

The UK capital’s technology and cultural scene continues to be a draw for tech talent from overseas, with analysis of LinkedIn’s members showing that London welcomed more European and non-EU tech professionals than any other major EU city in 2018.

According to the findings, London retained the top spot as the most ‘attractive’ destination for tech workers looking to move for work for the second year in a row, ahead of the likes of Berlin, Paris and Amsterdam.

Laura Citron, CEO of London & Partners, said: “London is home to some of the best technical and creative minds who are helping us to lead the way in cutting edge research and innovations in high growth areas such as Fintech and Artificial Intelligence.

“Today’s figures demonstrate that London is an open, welcoming city and that the strength of our tech sector is built on the international makeup of our tech workforce.”

Separate research by Stack Overflow, the world’s largest developer community, shows that London is home to more software developers than any other European city, with 357,900 workers across the capital.

Based on recent analysis of Stack Overflow’s 50 million monthly users, London has more software developers than other major European cities such as Paris and Amsterdam and over three times the numbers seen in Berlin.

Joshua Graff, Head of LinkedIn UK added: “LinkedIn members around the world continue to see opportunity in London, and whether it’s hunting for jobs on our platform, or moving to a new city to build a career, London remains in front of its European competitors in the battle for high tech talent.”

Many technology companies and organisations investing in innovation and the startup ecosystem are said to have made long-term commitments to London, with many citing London’s talent as a reason for investing.

This includes: Apple set to open a new London HQ in 2020 in Battersea for 1,400 staff; and Google’s new headquarters in King’s Cross will house up to 4,500 staff.