IT Staff Pay Rises Above Inflation

IT and computer staff saw their basic pay rise by an above-inflation 4.8 per cent over the past 12 months, according to the latest analysis published by salary survey specialists CELRE.

The CELRE Computer Staff Salary Survey for May 2008, shows basic pay for IT workers rising faster than at any time in the past three years and redundancy levels at a relatively low 1.6 per cent.

The figures defy the general economic gloom descending on the UK, but indicate that many employers are still struggling to find and keep the skilled IT workers that they need.

Key indicators published in the report show:

· Basic salaries up 4.8 per cent in the year to May 2008;

· Basic salaries plus bonuses up 5.7 per cent;

· Average bonuses for IT managers at 15.3 per cent of salary;

· Average bonuses for non-managerial staff at 8.5 per cent;

· Redundancy rate at 1.6 per cent.

The CELRE Computer Staff Salary Survey covers a total of 572 workplaces and 66,843 IT and computer staff.

Commenting on the results, CELRE managing editor Mark Crail said: 'IT staff have managed to defy the downward trend of the economy so far. Salaries are still rising faster than inflation and there is little indication that redundancies are becoming any more widespread.

'The job security still enjoyed by IT staff is in stark contrast those in other departments. The CELRE National Management Salary Survey published last month showed the redundancy rate among managers doubling over the past 12 months to 3 per cent.'

'This shows that companies are still finding it difficult to recruit and retain IT staff with the skills they need.'