IT Staffing Report: Aug. 29, 2013

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IT jobs grow across all UK regions

A quarterly survey from specialist IT recruitment site CWJobs.co.uk shows both permanent and contract IT jobs rose across the U.K. during the second quarter of 2013. Permanent placements rose 0.7 percent and contract jobs rose 1.3 percent

London’s “Tech City” initiative is proving successful, and driving established companies and start-ups to set up in the East London area; however, this new data indicates that other clusters of technologies firms in the U.K. could be driving nationwide growth.

Vacancies in London reported modest growth with 9,886 job vacancies posted in the quarter, a rise of 2.4 percent compared with the second quarter last year.  Vacancies across Scotland rose 7.9 percent, with growth of 4.6 percent in Southern England, and the West and Wales, both rising 3.1 percent. These areas are leading regional growth and providing opportunities for professionals working outside of the capital city.

In the west, Bristol has been positioned as a computer gaming hub, while Cambridge’s “Silicon Fen” is reported to be foundation of many of Britain’s most influential technology companies. Meanwhile, Scotland has also been making its name as a technology start-up capital, being home to a number of budding companies that are making moves to become influential industry players, such as SkyScanner, the fast growing online airfare tracker.

Richard Nott, website director, CWJobs, stated: “As investment in technology firms increases, there is less need for professionals to be based in the capital city, giving professionals the opportunity to work across many different regions. This is good news for the industry and for the prospects of IT professionals across the U.K. who may no longer need to consider re-locating to get the best jobs. As IT’s position as an inherently ‘networked industry’ grows, it’s likely this trend will continue.”