IT job market in flux

It appears that IT workers have itchy feet with the latest IT Job Board's market survey stating that approximately 42 per cent of IT professionals are actively seeking work.

In addition, a further 52 per cent are keeping an eye on the jobs market, according to the survey.

The report also stated that by September 2011, 35 per cent of permanent workers, and 57 per cent of contractors, hope to have moved jobs.

"UK businesses could be in for a shock as we climb further out of the recession.

"Clearly, large numbers of highly skilled workers are contemplating their futures, and considering taking their precious skills elsewhere," said Alexandra Farrell, managing director of the IT Job Board.

"You would expect to see movement within the contractor space, but I was alarmed to see such high numbers of permanent staff thinking about a near-future career move.

"Losing such highly qualified payroll staff could have a serious impact on a company's IT department," Farrell added.

Interestingly, salary doesn't seem to be the top concern for IT workers. Of the permanent IT professionals surveyed, 40 per cent cited career progression as the main reason for leaving their last post, 35 per cent changed for location, and 29 per cent moved for a more rewarding job with new challenges.

These figures compare with only 19 per cent of respondents claiming pay and conditions as the main prompt for leaving their last post.

"The IT industry is a fluid one, and workers will move jobs in order to update or hone their skills. Working on an exciting technical project can often be incentive enough," Farrell said.

"The skills that highly qualified IT specialists bring to a business are valuable and should not be underestimated. Companies need to re-engage with their staff and listen to what they want. It seems that problems won't be rectified with a simple pay rise or bonus."