Despite last week’s report that unemployment fell for the second month running there are still worries that the UK jobs market will face further dips in coming months. However, the IT sector has again performed well due to increased investment in management and consultancy according to a recent report.
The information came from industry body the Management Consultancies Association (MCA), who found that the overall market for IT management consulting grew by 5% in 2011. The report put this down to a combination of new technology and cost pressures which led to more investment in IT advice.
It was also reported that whilst the public sector accounts for 20% of the spending on IT consultancy, it saw the first drop in spending since 2007, most likely as a result of the public sector cuts announced in October 2010. Alan Leaman, Chief Executive of the MCA, commented on the report, saying that despite a recent period of austerity there is still a big demand for new technology in order to deliver better options for businesses.
He added, “The UK has a strong background in IT solutions for large multi-national business, and is a world leader in cyber security. This market creates a formidable platform to export our consultancy skills around the world.”
Meanwhile, technology journalist Michael Brook has discussed the development of a 4G broadband network in the UK, which will help to create more than 125,000 IT jobs; many of which will be filled by contractors on short term and specific projects.
Whilst he said these new jobs will mainly be concentrated in London and the south east, the fact that it is a country wide initiative will ensure that jobs are created across the country. Mr Brook added that the 4G project could stimulate £5.5 billion worth of investment in the UK and add about 5% to UK GDP by 2020.
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