IT jobs see threat from remote staff

IT departments in the UK face dramatic changes in the way they work, because of a greater use of remote working, sub-contractors and short-term contracts.

Changing work patterns are creating increased job flexibility, and this is now a key issue for the IT sector, according to a survey of 300 human resource (HR) managers carried out by financial services company Hogg Robinson Skillbase.

The survey, Organisational Change, found that more than 60% of respondents expect job flexibility and short-term contracts to become more important over the next two years. HR departments are coming under pressure to produce an acceptable financial performance, the survey found.

Respondents said they expect to achieve a better financial performance through improved efficiency, faster development of new products, stronger focus on specialised niche or core markets and reductions in personnel costs.

The survey also found that a greater emphasis on organic growth within companies is expected, rather than growth by acquisition.

'Financial pressure is the key driver for change in the short term. This promotes a continuing focus on core businesses and target markets,' said Nick Chapman, managing director of Hogg Robinson Skillbase.

'Employers attach increasing importance to developing the quality and availability of skilled people. To sustain growth in the long term, they must resolve the challenge of securing and retaining people with appropriate skills, in a flexible and responsive manner,' he said.

Clive Bennett, business development director at Hogg Robinson Skillbase, said the results of the survey imply that employers will increase their use of agency and interim management providers. This is because of the need for access to proven skills, as and when they are required.