Latest news: IT opportunities

Giant Group found that IT workers are expecting growth in public sector jobs this year, leading to improved confidence. 08/10/2012

The survey by the umbrella employment provider says that 15% of IT contractors expect more job opportunities in the public sector, up from just 8% surveyed last year.

Public sector organisations are looking to IT contractors to handle sudden spikes in workload. This signals good news for recent IT graduates looking for flexible work.

Matthew Brown, managing director of Giant says, 'With the Government's austerity measures still in full effect, public sector organisations remain under pressure to keep permanent headcount down.'

'Even though budgets are stretched, some departments are keen to kick-start IT projects that might have been stalled or put 'on hold' since the coalition government was formed. After all, many of these IT projects will deliver immediate savings.'

'For these public sector bodies, contractors offer a flexible and effective way of ensuring that specific projects are carried out, without adding to headcount payroll.'

The survey also reveals that 63% of IT contractors expect pay rises in the next year, in a sign of confidence in the industry. Likewise, far fewer are expecting wage freezes this year, down to 6%, from 10% last year.