Demand for IT professionals is shifting from the public sector to the private sector, according to data from technology recruiter Metaskil.

The research shows nearly a 40% increase in demand for skilled candidates in the private sector shifting away from a traditionally 50/50 split between public and private sector three years ago, with 87% of placements in the past six months going to private companies.

More than half of these placements in the private sector have been in the areas of business analysis and solutions architecture, which suggests new projects are starting or that companies are investing in business change.

Paul Hunsdon, resourcing director at Metaskil says: “Although it may not come as a surprise that demand in the public sector has fallen in the light of the government’s austerity measures and cuts in public spending, these figures are one of the first tangible indicators that the impact of this policy is starting to be felt.”