Demand for IT skills grew in 2010

Research from CWJobs reveals the sector has seen six consecutive quarters of growth

IT recruitment grew consistently in 2010, with the retail sector seeing the greatest demand, according to the latest research from CWJobs.

Despite growing concerns for a double-dip recession, 2010 saw steady IT recruitment growth, with an eight per cent increase in Q2, the same in Q3, and five per cent in the final quarter of the year.

But job levels overall are still down by almost half the pre-recession levels seen in 2007/08.

The top five skills most in demand for permanent jobseekers continue to be SQL, C, C#, .NET and SQL Server, with contract IT jobseeker skills varying slightly to include SQL, C, C#, Java and Oracle.

Emerging skills included Agile and virtualisation infrastructure platform VMware. Development tool Scrum used with Agile and Google’s mobile device OS is also popular, according to the research.

Richard Nott, web site director at CWJobs, said: “Last year the IT recruitment market really showed its resilience in the face of numerous challenges while the economy was still in recovery.

“The industry is evolving, particularly where emerging skills such as Agile Scrum are increasing in demand. As IT professionals continue to adapt their skills and experience to this ever-changing environment, they will remain in a strong position as 2011 brings them a new set of challenges," Nott said.