Nearly half of all IT workers are considering changing jobs, more than three times the number of a year ago, according to research by SkillsMarket/ATSCo.

It found 49% of IT professionals are now either seriously looking for a new job or are open to opportunities, compared to 24% this time last year.

It also found that pay for IT professionals is rising at a rate of 18% per annum, nearly five times the national average earnings growth. The average wage in IT is now £34,500.

“Despite the availability of candidates, the industry is unable to meet demand, which is driving pay growth, says ATSCo chief executive Ann Swain.