IT contractors are expecting to enjoy fresh rises as employers struggle to find skilled contractors to fill assignments, according to the latest research.
A survey of 168 IT contractors from recruitment firm Giant Group found that 71% believed rates will increase over the next 12 months, up 6% on last year’s predictions.
Today, the average project rate of an IT contractor is £30.56, which would put them on a gross annual income of £53k, according to Giant.
John Grant, a researcher at IT Jobs Watch, told CBR the rates would increase as companies and organisations invest more money in the next year.
"It’s also a case of supply and demand. There isn’t the calibre of candidates to fill up places and it’s very difficult to find the right people skills as the IT world becomes more fragmented with social media, analytics, statistics and BYOD, for example," he said.
This rise in work expectations comes not too long after another survey of 1,500 director level professionals by ReThink Recruitment suggests a rise in demand for contractors in the next year.
It found that 77% are expecting an increase in workload for their IT teams, while 52% do not believe they currently have the capacity to increase output.
Managing Director of giant group Matthew Brown added: "It’s extremely encouraging to note so many contractors feeling optimistic about their pay prospects and future work opportunities.
"With the ever-present gap between demand and talent supply, such niche experts will understandably be highly sought-after.
"And with on-going investment in areas such as big data and mobile, the need for professional contractors will only continue to intensify."
