Firms face staffing woe

City-based firms may struggle to find IT staff, according to survey

UK firms looking for permanent, London-based IT staff could see their options narrow this year, as new research has revealed that many IT workers are considering contract work and a move away from the capital.

According to education IT veteran RM, 44 percent of UK IT workers are considering becoming contractors. RM suggested that the number underlines a worsening situation in IT skills availability.

“Many British businesses are already struggling because of the IT skills shortage,” said Billy McNeil, RM development director. “While contractors can bring flexibility benefits to organisations, they do not benefit from the training investment organisations make.”

Another recent report suggests the number of IT staff leaving London is helping to close the salary gap between the capital and the rest of the country, which shrank by three percent last year. The average salary outside London is now £35,000 compared with £43,000 in the capital.

Jon Butterfield, managing director of ReThink Recruitment, believes that London deserters and the increasing mobility of IT roles are driving the change. “The price of living in London will continue to drive people out,” he said. “The anecdotal evidence is that a lot of IT staff are moving out of town now that IT can be run from anywhere.”

Manchester, in particular, is benefiting from the movement, he said.