Leader: IT jobs market – the worst is behind us

Despite the best efforts of some vendors to have us believe the IT industry is on the verge of a new wave of corporate IT spending, the analyst predictions are a little more sober - and probably a lot more accurate.

In truth, most companies have done the most painful rounds of cost-cutting and there are signs users are more confident about the future, preparing themselves to take advantage of any uptick in the economy.

One are this can be seen is the UK's IT jobs market. An eSkills UK survey this week described it as "unsettled" but said demand and rates for contractors increased towards the end of last year. The skills in demand included management and systems consultants, software engineers and systems testing and auditing, while an NCC study found the highest IT salary increases in the utility and government sectors.

There is a note of caution from both organisations that it is still a buyers' market, with many more skilled and qualified people out there than available positions, but the situation does look like it is - albeit slowly - bouncing back.

Which makes it all the more important for you – our readers – to complete our sixth annual silicon.com Skills Survey so we can build up a picture of the true state of the UK IT skills market as we cautiously peer over the sandbags.

Among the trends last year were the predictable decline in demand for IT staff but also an increase in demand for those with Linux skills. This year, in addition to the usual questions on business skills, programming languages and training, we are asking if offshoring is a threat to your job and whether you have ever been a victim of ageism.

To take part in the skills survey, click here.