North has no trouble recruiting IT workers

Jun 12 2008 by Andrew Mernin, The Journal

COMPUTER workers and other IT staff have seen their basic pay rise by an above-inflation 4.8% in the past year, new figures have found.

Their basic pay has increased faster than at any time in the past three years, according to salary survey specialists Celre.

The survey also found that IT companies are struggling to retain staff despite handing out healthy wage rises.

In the North East, a number of major IT bosses have revealed pay-rise figures that are below the national average in the sector, although they have claimed that staff retention is not a concern.

Zanna Bewick, an HR manager for North East IT giant Onyx, said staff receive pay rises of around 3%, although this is supplemented by flexible working arrangements – exemplified recently by two workers who are able to stay at the firm despite relocating.

She said: “They were going to leave but we arranged for them to work from their Scotland base. We offer a generous all-round package in terms of holidays and flexibility.”

Alan Timothy, founder of Middlesbrough-based Profile Analysis, said staff typically receive an annual wage increase of 3-4% with the added bonus of structured training packages.

Teesside IT firm MC Ware said staff received settlements of 4-4.5% but were paid additional bonuses when they achieved industry-accredited qualifications.

Founder Jonathan Wheatley said that, unlike other parts of the country, the North East has no difficulty in recruiting and keeping hold of skilled IT staff.

He said: “Teesside University is producing high-calibre IT graduates, some of whom have been with us for eight years.”

Celre managing editor Mark Crail said: “IT staff have managed to defy the downward trend of the economy so far.”