HR Industry News

Britain faces IT skills flight

— 8 May 2008 —

Britain could be facing a “skills flight” of IT professionals with the revelation that two thirds of IT employees are considering moving abroad for work.

The survey of nearly 5,000 UK professionals by recruitment company Computer People, showed that companies are failing to maintain staff loyalty, with 87% prepared to move to another job if the opportunity arose.

A further 39% claimed to be actively searching for another employer, while nearly half said that they were “keeping a lookout”. Worryingly for bosses, 27% expected to move within three months.

However, more worrying for the UK is the fact that nearly two-thirds of IT employees are considering a move out of the country. Nick Dettmar, MD of Computer People, said that the “development of the global workforce opens up opportunities outside the UK” and warned employers against throwing money at the problem:

“Firms must do more than offer good salaries. Employers shouldn’t look at their staff as just a skill set; they need to invest in their people and in developing their careers.”

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