Brain drain threatens IT jobs landscape

A worrying 71 per cent of UK IT workers are considering finding work abroad, according to survey

In a Computer People survey, 71 per cent of technology workers admitted to considering a career abroad

Almost three-quarters of IT workers are considering upping sticks and finding a job overseas, according to research from staffing firm Computer People.

The organisation carried out its annual IT Salary Review report, which looks at the trends in recruiting remuneration and retention in the IT sector.

In total 71 per cent of technology workers questioned by the organisation are thinking about jobs abroad, with 92 per cent of IT workers admitting that they are actively seeking work or keeping their eye on the job market.

Even more worrying, 39 per cent of permanent and 35 per cent of contract workers are considering a change in career, which will compound the brain drain and skills shortages facing the UK IT market.

Nick Dettmar, managing director of Computer People, said: “The UK has faced an ongoing concern over skills shortages in the IT industry so losing further intellectual capital to other markets is a situation our economy cannot afford, especially as we look ahead to the prospect of economic recovery in the relatively short-term.

“However, for those as closely involved with shaping and managing employment across the UK economy as we are, these research findings reflect real opportunity as well as highlighting potential concerns."

Dettmar added: “Employers who are willing to demonstrate a commitment to their employees and a progressive approach to the challenges of today’s working environment have the potential to retain and attract the best candidates as they prepare for the upturn and at Computer People we intend to continue being an integral part of that process.”

The report also claimed that while IT workers considered interesting work and good pay as important, many have adjusted their salary expectations and are attracted to employers that can offer some form of job security and clear career progression. The percentage of respondents that rated job security as extremely or very important has risen from 54 per cent in 2008 to 77 per cent in 2009.