Linux skills more in demand than Unix for the first time

Other sought-after skills include SQL, Java and C

Linux more demanded than Unix for first time

Demand for Linux programming skills has exceeded that for Unix programming skills for the first time ever, according to Richard Nott, director of recruitment site CWJobs.co.uk.

Possible reasons for this include the fact that more mobile platforms are supported by Linux, as are HD boxes, Nott said. In addition, the increasingly popular open source operating system Ubuntualso runs on Linux.

Aside from Linux and Unix skills, those most in most demand include SQL, Java, C, C#, .NET, SQL Server and ASP.

In addition to this, CWJobs' latest stats show that the IT jobs market has increased at its fastest rate for over three years, up eight per cent on March 2010.

However, the number of permanent public sector jobs is down 21 per cent since the change in government, with public sector posts dropping from fourth to fifth place in sector rankings, below finance, media, retail and manufacturing.

Despite this, contract work in the public sector remains relatively buoyant, perhaps reflecting the fact that although the public sector has not yet shrunk significantly, departments are facing considerable uncertainly around funding and so are unwilling to offer permanent contracts.