A new study by IT recruitment firm Computer People released today has shed more light on the changing nature of the IT workforce and its career expectations.

Half of IT professionals interviewed said they "seriously considered" leaving their jobs last year, although 40 per cent said it was more difficult or considerably more difficult to find a better job than the same time a year ago.

The study also found respondents generally content with their salary packages, and most said they were happy with their working relationships and career expectations. But around 42 per cent said they are unhappy with the amount of unpaid overtime they have to work.

"Money is important but flexibility, working hours and additional benefits such as pension schemes are too," said managing director of Computer People, Nick Dettmar. "It seems people are always looking for better opportunities – from the CIO's perspective they not only need to make sure the job is attractive to attract new staff, but also to make sure they're not doing anything to lose [existing staff]."