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05 Oct 2009
Many UK tech workers are considering setting sail for sunnier climes and better paid work, according to a new survey from The IT Job Board.
The online recruitment company warned that the UK is risking a "brain drain" in which workers pushed out of a job because of the recession would leave the UK in favour of new opportunities.
Issues high on the worry list for these workers are offshoring, cited by 39 per cent of respondents, followed by contract rate reductions at 28 per cent, and 'concern over long-term career prospects' at 27 per cent.
Jobs most likely to be affected are developer and programmer roles, the survey revealed.
The IT Job Board found that 80 per cent of workers are so concerned about the economic downturn that they are considering relocation. Sixty-nine per cent fancied Australia, and 59 per cent the US. Just under 60 per cent are thinking about going away for five years or more.
"The UK IT sector cannot afford to lose key individuals with specific technical knowledge and skills, both during the recession and as we approach a possible upturn," said Jamie Bowler, head of marketing at The IT Job Board.
"The responsibility lies with employers to maintain competitive rates, and to offer attractive career opportunities to staff with core employees. Only then can we work towards avoiding a brain drain in the UK IT sector."
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Do you agree?
Wake up!! Do you think we're that gullible?
Hello? Survey done by a recruitment agency that concludes that salaries are not enough. The recruitment agencies make commision on size of salaries. Hence, to make more money they need all wages accross the board to be raised. How do you achieve this? Simples. Scaremongering, the good old fashioned New Labour way (aka Spin to you and me). My answer to this is simple. Who wants to go somewhere else, let them. The alternative is employers pay higher wages, hence lose more contracts because they simply can't be competitive anymore and they eventually end up going bust or simply cannot afford to keep as many people employed. So what's worse? How stupid do these people think we are?
Posted by: Anon 08 Oct 2009
Does that mean I shouldn't retire in England?
I am an EE that has been doing IT for over 25 years and currently work for the State of Texas at a major University Health Science Center. Because I work for Hi-Ed it is mandatory to participate in the Teachers Retirement System, but it it is also mandatory to participate in the Federal retirement system so I will be receiving two retirements. My wife recently (2 yrs) passed away and my son lives away in the military so I was considering retiring in England. Drastic change of climate I know but all my descensents were from the UK. I don't intend to work after retirement but just stay abreast of IT and maybe have my family here send me parts when I need them. Other than leaving when I die to be buried with my wife of 32 yrs here, do you think I would also grow weary of England? I'm truly asking for an answer.
Posted by: F. Dunn 07 Oct 2009
yes, yes, they'd all like to move...
Yes, they are 'considering' relocation. But the reality is it is not as easy as all that. Visas/work permits for anywhere are difficult and time-consuming (and often very expensive) to obtain, especially for all but the superstars in any field. And then if you actually get past that not insignificant hurdle, you have to consider whether family wants to move with you. And integrating into a strange country is no easy task either. The reality is most of these people 'considering relocation' are only dreaming. And, even if they did go, chances are high they would be back in a few years anyway. I believe one study found that 85 per cent of wannabe migrants are back home within 5-10 years.
Posted by: Sarah 06 Oct 2009