Leader: The great IT skills debate

Is there an IT skills shortage in the UK?

Conventional wisdom says yes but this week we've heard the government, industry groups and users come down on different sides of the debate.

In what can only be interpreted as confirmation of the belief that the UK lacks skilled workers for certain positions, the government earlier this week announced a new points-based systems for work permits and visas that will make it easier for foreigners to get IT jobs.

Industry group Intellect applauded the move as a way to address the shortage of certain IT skills in the country.

Yet we heard a different story from our CIO Jury. Only one out of the 12 IT bosses said he had found it necessary to recruit IT workers from abroad in order to plug skills gaps.

So which is it?

We'd like to hear your thoughts on the subject. How, you might ask? By taking part in our eighth annual Skills Survey.

Launched this week, the Skills Survey gives you a chance to share your opinions on the IT workforce. Is there a skills shortage? If so, which skills are in shortest supply?

This year's poll has a particular focus on offshoring and outsourcing, giving you the opportunity to say whether you feel your job could be sent overseas or if it's 'offshore-proof'. You can also weigh in on the ongoing debate over whether business or technical skills are more important to success in IT today.

Skills issues are always in flux so there's nothing more valuable than hearing from you, dear readers, about what you're experiencing in your workplace.

In return we'll write about the results next month so you know what your colleagues are going through. And if you're lucky you may win a half case of champagne just for completing the survey.

Click here to take the 2006 Skills Survey.