UK IT at risk of "brain drain"

Offshoring and poor career prospects are key concerns for IT professionals, says research

Poor career development is a key concern for IT professionals

IT professionals fear the sector could suffer from a "brain drain" as they start questioning the future of their careers, according to research.

Some 76 per cent of 261 respondents polled by recruitment specialist The IT Job Board said the UK could be at risk of losing its expertise.

Offshoring was cited as the main driver for the potential depletion of technical personnel by 39 per cent of those polled, followed by contract rate reductions (28 per cent) and concerns over long-term career development (27 per cent).

Relocation is a possibility for 80 per cent of the respondents, with 61 per cent considering a move to Australia and 59 per cent to the US.

“The UK IT sector cannot afford to lose key individuals with specific technical knowledge and skills, both during the recession, and as we approach a possible upturn,” said head of marketing at The IT Job Board, Jamie Bowler.

“The responsibility lies with employers to maintain competitive rates, and to offer attractive career opportunities to staff with core employees. Only then can we work towards avoiding brain drain in the UK IT sector,” said Bowler.