51 per cent of in-pats are from the IT sector

Up from 39 per cent three years ago

Demand for IT has been climbing

Of all workers being sourced from abroad by UK companies, nearly 51 per cent come from the IT industry, according to a new study by NatWest International Personal Banking (IPB).

This is up from 39 per cent three years ago and the study argues that this shows the skills base within the UK is not keeping up with national IT demands.

The figure will drop to 45 per cent over the next 18 months, but rather than being an indication of a fall in demand for IT workers, this reflects an expected increase in demand for in-pat workers from the financial sector.

Dave Isley, head of NatWest IPB, said: “Demand for IT has been climbing, which might seem counterintuitive in a recession. But entrepreneurial activity and business start-ups can thrive in economic downturns, and almost all of these will require IT support of some sort.

"IT services are such an integral part of the modern business infrastructure that all companies need to stay on top of their IT. This is a basic hygiene factor,” he added.