With the ever changing job market throughout the whole of the UK, jobs in London and the South East are more prone to experience fluctuations than any other part of the country. Being home to the capital city, this is no surprise of course. However, one area that has remained on the upward slope for many years is in IT.
Consistent research suggests that sixty to sixty-five percent of all IT jobs in the UK are based in London and the South East. That the trend has continued to rise over recent years of economic downturn has surprised many experts and commentators. However, though there were large cuts at the beginning of the recession, it is this sector that is seeing the biggest upturn in re-employment.
This is particularly so in the financial sector. More emphasis on compliance, control and risk management, driven by the change in focus from government and public bodies, has resulted in more robust systems being introduced. These systems need adequate support, development and reporting.
With London still being a major global player in the financial world, extra jobs in IT have been created. This is in exact opposition to the rest of the country where IT positions have slumped. This is mainly due to the cut back in public sector jobs, where the North and South West are more reliant on such services.
For IT professionals looking to advance their career, the message is clear; look to IT jobs in London. A result of this has been a marked uptake of services offered by recruitment websites where looking for positions is easier than traditional methods.
Recovery from the recession is still in its embryonic stages of course, resulting in many companies resourcing with a greater focus on the temporary market. Leaving a permanent position for a temporary one, or taking time to relearn in other areas, may be a risk too far for many, but with greater potential rewards, it could be a risk worth taking.