JM Digital (www.jmdigital.com), the recruitment arm of The JM Group, has revealed in its latest digital rates and salary report that the lack of supply of digital IT workers is becoming a real issue for many companies.
Whilst other sectors have been feeling the pinch of the Eurozone turmoil, the digital sector has continued to grow at a rapid rate. Over the last quarter alone JM has seen the demand for both digital IT contractors and permanent staff increase by 18%. This demand is reflective of the increasing importance digital media is playing in today’s society. In particular, the phenomenal increase in usage of mobile devices and social media websites over the last couple of years.
With the UK being seen as Europe’s equivalent to Silicon Valley, demand is also being driven by the increasing number of companies moving to London. These range from start-ups to multinationals from the UK, Europe and further afield. Some of the biggest names in technology, including Google, Cisco, Intel and Facebook, have committed to a presence in TechCity, London’s dynamic technology hub.
Dave Pye, CEO of the JM Group, commented: “The demand for digital IT workers is continuing to grow at a rapid rate but the supply of individuals with these skills is yet to catch up. Whilst this is causing issues for companies right now, this problem is only going to get worse as the digital economy is set to explode over the next few years.”
The skill areas in particularly high demand at the moment include developers, user experience designers and digital project managers across social media, ecommerce and mobile/tablet platforms. In the last quarter alone, JM has observed the demand for UI and UX skills rise by around 11% and the demand for digital project managers by 6%.
David Young, Head of JM Digital, commented: “The rising demand for digital skills is showing no signs of abating and we don’t expect it to any time soon. If you are an IT contractor, the digital sector is the place to be at the moment. Especially when you consider that digital IT contractors with experience in mobile/tablet platforms or social media can now be earning as much as £500 per day.”
The report also showed the demand for permanent digital IT staff is especially high as these individuals are considered much more cost effective by companies. With contractors being able to demand up to 50% more than permanent staff, the supply of permanent candidates is considered even more of an issue for companies.
To download your copy of JM’s report, please go to www.jmdigital.com