SQL Server, .net and C# skills are in high demand from
UK employers recuriting for permanent IT jobs, a study has
revealed. Recruiters expect the demand for IT jobs with these
skills to continue in 2008despite fears of a
recession.
Adverts requiring SQL Server increased 52% in 2007 from 2006 and
demand for .net skills was up 50% and C# was up 48%.
The rise in demand for systems developers is an indication of
how well the market for IT jobs is as a whole, said Jeff Brooks,
chair of the IT & Comms Sector Group at the Recruitment and
Employment Confederation, which comissioned the study.
"In previous downturns, we have seen a lockdown in system
development and we are watching to see signs of that," said
Brooks.
There were just fewer than one million IT staff working in the
UK during the third quarter of 2007 - down 1% from 2006. Despite
the fall, recruiters remain confident about the
demand for IT staff.
A survey of 2500 advertised positions by IT recruitment firm CV
screen showed IT salaries in the South East have increased by 3.4%
over the last 12 months. The average permanent
IT salary in the region is £33,513.
Jason Price, account manager at recruitment firm CV Screen said
that he does not expect a slowdown.
"We have noticed a year on year rise in demand for IT staff with
.net, C# and SQL Server skills and do not expect a slowdown in
these areas," said Price.
In the event of a slowdown, Price said new IT projects and the
creation of new positions are more likely to be halted, rather than
current IT staff being shed.