UK IT professionals are becoming less ambitious and career-minded as a result of the growing work pressures they face during the recession, according to research.

The latest quarterly employment study from recruitment consultancy Badenoch & Clark suggested that 45 per cent of IT workers say they have put off their career development plans, with only seven per cent using the downturn as an opportunity to further their career.

The result, according to Badenoch & Clark, is “an industry distinctly lacking in ambition”.

“The IT sector has until recently been relatively shielded from the downturn, but we’re beginning to see some signs that it’s starting to have an impact,” said Matt Gascoigne, associate director at the recruitment firm.

“There are still plenty of opportunities out there, particularly in the contract market and the public sector, but attitudes are starting to shift under the weight of growing commercial pressures.

IT workers need to realise that career development does not have to mean looking for a new job, said Gascoigne.

“The pressures that are hitting career plans could be harnessed for the better – employers are increasingly asking their people to take on extra responsibilities and tasks as budgets get squeezed,” he said.

“Those opportunities could considerably add to the skillsets of IT professionals and equip them to move up the career ladder when the opportunity arises.”

The study also suggested that 37 per cent of IT professionals leave their career development in the hands of their line managers and senior executives.

“IT professionals need to take more charge of their careers,” said Gascoigne.

“Shifting full responsibility onto time-poor line managers will only stall careers further and cause engagement and motivation to falter.”