Recession fears don't scare IT workers

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IT contractors are confident they can find work despite an expected economic downturn, according to a survey by InterQuest recruitment group.

Just nine per cent of IT contractors are worried about finding work following the credit crunch in the US - which some have said could lead to a worsening economy. Half of temporary IT workers said they weren't concerned at all, the survey showed.

A third of such contractors don't think their senior managers are worried, either, with just 12.4 per cent saying their bosses seem very concerned.

Permanent IT workers are just as confident. Half of the workers surveyed said permanent staff do not seem worried about pay or job cuts.

"There are those who seem intent on almost talking us into recession and that's obviously spooking some people," said Gary Ashworth, chairman at InterQuest. "However, the truth of the matter is that while a minority are very worried about where their next job will come from, we are not seeing any let up in the demand for skilled IT contractors. Unlike during the last recession, which was so inextricably linked to the dot-com boom and bust, this time around IT is at the very heart of every successful business."

Ashworth noted that spending on IT hardware might be hit, but the right staff can actually help cut costs through creating efficiencies and making best use of existing systems. "The effective use of IT presents the best opportunity to increase efficiencies during a time of belt-tightening," he said.

With that in mind, Ashworth said freezing recruitment is not necessary. "The minority of senior managers who are very worried about an impending credit crunch must not let their fears cause the situation to become a reality," he said.

The survey results are no surprise given constant reports of an on-going skills shortage in the sector, which has helped to keep pay rates steady.

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