Offshore outsourcing has forced a sharp fall in pay for UK IT helpdesk workers in the last 12 months, according to a report commissioned by the Association of Technology Staffing Companies.

The iProfileStats/ATSCo research shows that hourly rates for contract/temp IT helpdesk workers have fallen from £16 per hour in 2004 to £12 per hour in 2005, while average salaries for permanent IT helpdesk workers fell 3% to £17,538.

ATSCo chief executive Ann Swain, said: “IT careers are at a crossroads. The lowest skilled technical roles are under pressure as organisations continue to ship jobs overseas.

“In contrast, highly skilled managers and consultants are receiving pay increases more than treble the rate of inflation.”