Confidence among U.S. information technology workers slipped in the second quarter, according to the IT employee confidence index released by Technisource, a division of Spherion Corp. (NYSE: SFN). The gauge fell 1.5 points to a reading of 45.9, the lowest level since it began in 2005.

The index's survey found that 70% of IT workers believe the economy is getting weaker, up one percentage point from the first quarter. And 59% believe fewer jobs are available, up four percentage points from the first quarter.

Still, 42% said they were likely to look for a new job in the next year, up from 39% in the first quarter.

"Given the current state of the economy and the consistent barrage of negative news as it relates to oil prices, job numbers and the housing market, it is not surprising to see confidence levels continue to decline," said Technisource President Michael Winwood. "However, things aren't as bad as it seems as it relates to the technology job market."

Winwood said Technisource continues to see demand for IT workers in areas such as business intelligence and security-related positions.