IT jobs vacancies near pre-recession levels

The number of permanent job vacancies in the IT sector is now only 15 per cent down on pre-recession levels, according to data from IT recruitment specialists CWJobs.

Three years ago, that figure stood at 41 per cent.

This is the fourth year in a row the number of available positions has grown, which the job site claims is proof of a stabilising economy and that businesses are taking on more staff for expansion purposes.

CWJobs said software houses and consultancies are leading the way in IT job creation, with a rise of 1.4 per cent compared to last year.

The number of IT vacancies within the financial and retail sectors has also seen steady growth at 0.7 per cent and 1.1 per cent respectively.

However, the situation is less rosy in the public sector, with CWJobs declaring this as the only non-growing sector. The number of permanent roles available fell by 0.4 per cent compared to last year.

Richard Nott, website director or CWJobs, said: "As Britain's economic position stabilises, growth is being seen across most sectors of the IT industry, signalling that it is finally recovering from the recession.

"The technology industry looks to be at the forefront of Britain's growth, and if it maintains the same trajectory, could be boosting Britain's economic position even further."

While the number of jobs available is apparently on the rise, finding the people with the right skills to fill those positions could be more of a challenge. Analysts and market watchers have repeatedly warned that IT graduates do not have the skills or experience employers want.

"Britain's place on the IT world map is precarious with a lack of investment largely to blame. Google's (2012 campaign) on IT education is a step in the right direction, but we need to see more campaigns of this nature," added Notts.