Significant North / South divide in the UK IT jobs market

IT Recruitment Consultancy CV Screen has identified a significant North / South divide within the IT jobs market. Following their recent analysis of over 60,000 advertised roles in the UK during Q1 2006, CV Screen has found that IT professionals in the South are earning up to 15% more than their counterparts in the North.

The analysis shows that IT professionals within London and the Thames Valley receive higher salaries than their counterparts in the rest of the UK. The comprehensive report identifies that IT professionals in London on average receive 9% more than the UK average and those in the Thames Valley regions receive 4.6% more. Lower paying regions include the Midlands where IT professionals receive 6% less than the UK average and the North West (6.8% less).

Matthew Iveson, Managing Director of CV Screen, commented: ìWe are constantly made aware that there is a North / South divide in the UK and our analysis would lend favour to this argument. Those in the South East region earn in some instances over 15% more than those in the North West. Despite the Lyons report identifying the need to move jobs outside of the South East region it is clear that the regional inequalities are unlikely to be reduced in the short term.î

Iveson added: ìWith so many technology companies in the area, the Thames Valley region is the UKís answer to the Silicon Valley. There is certainly increased wage pressure within the region as a result of increased demand for staff and this is making it more attractive for candidates seeking employment outside of London.î

With regards to the exclusion of the high paying Banking sector from the analysis, Iveson added ìOur aim was to provide our clientsí with a clear and accurate picture of the IT industry. We felt that the Banking sector would distort the figures considerably as many candidates within this sector are earning in excess of 40% more than those outside of the sector.î

CV Screenís comprehensive range of regional IT salary surveys are designed to assist organisations in benchmarking roles within their IT department. Iveson commented ìIt is important that we keep our clientsí abreast with the market changes that influence staff turnover and our free surveys offer a valuable resource for organisations who are seeking to recruit and retain staff in the UK.î

Iveson concluded: ìThe key for organisations in retaining and recruiting staff is not only in accurately benchmarking salaries but also in ensuring that employees are offered both training and a working environment where they feel valued. As always location remains a crucial factor for IT professionals when seeking a work / life balance and employees who have a shorter commute to work or indeed who are offered the flexibility of home working are more likely to remain with organisations in the long term.î

For a full copy of the survey, please email Regional@cvscreen.co.uk