UK IT workers lured by foreign climes

The IT industry could be in trouble if research suggesting many skilled tech workers are eyeing careers abroad proves true.

More than two thirds (67 percent) of UK-based IT workers are mulling over or have applied for tech jobs abroad, according to a study by the IT Job Board.

Almost three-quarters (71 per cent) cited job quality as a primary driver for a possible move to foreign shores. Whereas the lure of a bigger pay packet and the opportunity to experience new cultures were the motivating factors for 68 and 69 per cent respectively.

Just under a third (32 per cent) of those surveyed remained loyal to the UK's tech sector though, saying it wasn't an option they were looking at.

"I was very alarmed to read these statistics - clearly large numbers of UK IT professionals have either made the move overseas at some stage in their career, or this is something they are planning," said Alex Farrell, managing director at The IT Job Board.

"If this boils down to quality of the jobs on offer in the UK, or low salaries, then companies need to work hard to improve their offering, in order to attract and retain staff."

Dwindling numbers of skilled workers is not new to the UK IT industry. Many experts have warned we are heading for problems due to the low volume of students opting to study tech subjects at school and university.

"At a time when we are suffering an IT skills shortage, we cannot afford to lose key talent," added Farrell.

"The onus lies with business managers to develop and nurture their employees and to make the UK's IT job market an attractive one to work in."